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Lake Villa is in the lower Val d’Ayas, in the municipality of Challad-Saint-Victor. It covers some 69 acres, at an altitude of 2.690 – 2.696 ft above sea level.

It was created by the activity of igneous rocks from the ancient ocean floor, which emerged and underwent several transformations following the corrugation of the Alpine chain.

Autumn is the ideal time to enjoy the colours of the luxuriant vegetation all around.
Due to its modest size, Lake Villa should be visited in small groups (up to 30 people each), including school students, who would discover this enchanted place without disturbing its pristine habitat.

BOTANICAL FEATURES

Along the shores of the lake, there is marshy vegetation rich in rush (Juncus spp.) and sedge, including the rare downey-fruited sedge (Carex tomentosa), white-water lily (Nymphaea alba – it wondrously blooms in June-July), and water smartweed (Persicaria amphibia).

This body of water is surrounded by a beautiful forest made of Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris), downy oaks (Quercus pubescens), and chestnut trees (Castanea sativa ). Lake Villa is also one of the main breeding habitats in the region for many amphibian species.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)