Discover the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle at the Tueda lake

February 24, 2023

An exhibition on the life of marmots and 100% family activities await you!

On the shores of Lake Tueda, in the middle of a privileged and protected environment, is the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle. A place where serenity, animation and education are combined to the delight of children and adults.

Since the beginning of January, a nature animator and holiday advisor have been occupying the space to offer activities to families and children in an enchanting setting. We went to meet them.

Interview with Alexia Tournier and Vincent Roumégas

Nature animator and holiday advisor at Méribel Tourisme

Hello Vincent, can you explain us what you do at the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle ?

As a holiday advisor at the Méribel Tourist Office, I welcome our customers as in Méribel-Centre and Méribel-Mottaret. Indeed, this winter we are testing this new and third information point.

Even if the reception is an integral part of my missions, the information here is mainly based on the Vanoise Natural Park. The Maison de la Réserve Naturelle is located in a quiet and beautiful environment where beautiful hikes can be done (both in winter and in summer).

When a family or visitors come into the Maison, I imagine that they are not just looking for advice…

No, I take advantage of their visit to invite them to look at the exhibition on the marmot that we are lucky enough to have.

The marmot is an emblematic animal of the Tueda plan and the Vanoise natural park. This exhibition is very well done as it is both interactive and fun. It has everything to please children and adults alike.

The exhibition in 3 pictures

Before working here, I thought I knew about marmots, but in the end I discovered many anecdotes about marmots. For example, we often have the image of a cute, well-behaved animal, whereas it’s a wild animal that doesn’t hesitate to fight to defend its territory.

Alexia – I confirm what Vincent says about the exhibition. I didn’t know that the marmot screams once for a danger from the sky and twice for a danger from the ground.

The exhibition on the marmot’s way of life is therefore not to be missed. And you, Alexia, what are you doing here?

I am a nature animator at the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle. I run creative workshops for families on the local flora and fauna. They can take several forms and be indoors or outdoors (depending on the weather, the audience, the age of the children, their desires).

Can you share with us some of the activities you will be offering this winter?

Yes, I would love to. I already have ideas for the whole season and I can give you some of them:

making bird seed balls;
snow constructions: obstacle course in snow, drawing in snow;
games about biodiversity and the fauna and flora of the reserve
searching for animal prints in the snow;
reproduction of animal footprints in salt dough;
making lollipops out of maple syrup.

Activities and animations

Of course, I have planned other activities but I won’t reveal everything.

Then I propose activities on Thursdays and Fridays in the auditorium of Méribel-Centre above the Tourist Office.

How did you find all these ideas for workshops ?

I arrived at the Méribel Tourist Office this winter. One of my colleagues, Floriane Bredel, was in charge of the animations last year. I therefore exchanged a lot with her and she inspired most of the nature activities I am offering this season.

For the other activities, I have an aunt who works in nature activities and who helped me in my thinking. Then I used my imagination and creativity.

Afterwards, I try to plan and anticipate the activities so that they appear in the Coup de Cœur (the sports, cultural and gastronomic programme). In this way, families can see what is on offer but I leave the choice up to them. For example, if a child doesn’t want to do something, I can adapt and offer them something else.

Why organise activities on the shores of lake ?

As a nature animator, I offer workshops with the aim of prevention and environmental awareness in a cultural, educational and artistic dimension.

Of course, I make sure to renew the activities so that they change and everyone can discover new things. This allows me to innovate in other activities that are closer to nature.

Vincent – I’ll complete his answer with the location of the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle. We’re lucky enough to have an unobstructed view of the Tueda lake. If you come, it’s a good way to discover the life of the marmots while taking part in some great activities.

Moreover, if you are discreet, you may see animals such as foxes or hares. For the little anecdote, I had the opportunity to attend the flight of the Méribel eagle above the lake. A magical moment!

Alexia – It’s true that entering the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle means spending time with the family, where the children mingle with the parents to go for a walk, to learn more about the fauna and flora of the park and to play together. I look forward to seeing you!

Vincent, do you have any last words to add?

Start with the Explor Games treasure hunt and end your adventure at the Nature Reserve House. You’ll leave with some great snowy memories!

How to reach Alexia and Vincent at the Maison de la Réserve?

With shuttle bus D, stop at “Le Châtelet”, head towards Lake Tueda, walk for about ten minutes and then enter the Maison from the first floor.

The exhibition and the activities are free, without reservation and accessible to all. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

Come to the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle for Alexia’s activities and workshops:

until 26/04: Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm.

Meet a holiday advisor from the reception service:

until 26/02 included: from Sunday to Thursday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 4pm;
from 27/02 to 03/03, from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 4pm;
from 6/03 to 28/04: Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.