Nature Connexion

October 5 and 6, 2024

Nature Connexion is an intimate event designed for those who aspire to slow down from the hectic pace of modern life. The event is aimed at both local insiders and city dwellers in search of calm and harmony. Through a program rich in experiences and exchanges, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with nature, yourself and others, while exploring the essential values and simplicity that characterize the mountain range. It is part of the official “Fête de la science program” (science fiesta), and receives financial support from the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

Natureconnexion2023 @norman.lancelot Otgq16Natureconnexion2023 @norman.lancelot Otgq16
©Natureconnexion2023 @norman.lancelot Otgq16
See you in 2024!

The 2024 program is currently being made and will be sent to you as soon as possible!

The events' team

The program

Conferences
  • 10 a.m. - Cooperating with trees: Agroforestry and other interactions

    Discussion with Geneviève Michon, ethnobotanist, research director and specialist in the relationship between society and forests. Farmers, craftsmen, hikers, simple urban or rural dwellers… We are all in regular contact with trees. How do we cooperate with these chlorophyll giants? How do we care for them on a daily basis? And how can their presence improve our well-being? Let’s open the discussion with Geneviève Michon. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. All audiences Free

  • 3:30 pm - Let's listen to the trees: let them be and be inspired

    Round-table discussion with Geneviève Michon (ethnobotanist, research director, specialist in the relationship between society and forests), Ernst Zürcher (Swiss forestry engineer, professor and researcher in wood science) and a speaker from the Ecrins National Park, Julien Guilloux (in charge of Water & Forests). Ernst Zürcher (Swiss forestry engineer, professor and researcher in wood science) and Julien Guilloux (Water & Forests project manager) from the Ecrins National Park) What if we listened more to trees? And nature in general? What if we rediscovered our place as animals at the heart of the living world? With the enlightenment of specialists who listen to nature on a daily basis, let’s sketch out together a new way of understanding our natural environment, for a rediscovered harmony. 3.30 – 5 p.m. All audiences Free

Lecture tours
  • 11 a.m. - Trees, between visible and invisible

    Talk by Ernst Zürcher, Swiss forestry engineer, professor and researcher in wood science. In the midst of larches, oaks and pines, let yourself be guided by the voice of Ernst Zürcher, who will share his knowledge, emotions and feelings with you. Embark on a unique experience, an active and emotional nature bath, immersed in the alpine forests of the Guillestrois region! 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ages 7 and up 3 € – registration required

  • 3pm - The enchanted forest

    Sens’action walk “The enchanted forest” led by Yoann Oliviero of the Serre-Ponçon Guillestrois-Queyras Heritage Service. Will we rediscover the spirit of the forest? Touch, feel, look differently, an active, sensory immersion walk to listen to the forest of the Hautes-Alpes. 3pm – 5pm Family – 6 years and over 3€ – registration required

Animations
  • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Escape game "Sauvons Lago!

    You’ll find yourself in the world most affected by human activity and climate change. You’ll have to solve a number of riddles about the impact of man on the mountain ecosystem, and the richness and fragility of the Alpine mountain ecosystem. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. All ages – from 7 years 8€ adults 5€ children – registration required.

  • 2pm - "Relation Sylvestre" show

    Relation Sylvestre (MAILLAGE) is a creative project for the public space, exploring the possible and impossible relationships between people and trees through fiction, sound and photography. First and foremost, it’s a show that stages the planting of a tree, using different tableaux to answer the question: “Why plant a tree? “. 14h-15h All audiences Free

  • 6pm - Film "Trees, Guardians of Life" Be The Change

    Screening of a short film (45′) and discussion in the presence of Ernst Zürcher (forestry engineer and expert witness in the film) and directors Laetitia ROUX (17-time world champion ski mountaineer) and Marianne Bréchu (Water Family Association). 18h-20h All Public Free

Workshops
  • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Tree climbing

    The Tree Climbing activity doesn’t require any particular physical condition. Méluzine, who specializes in forest immersion, will accompany you for a sensitive climb in the crowns of our hosts, the Trees. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. From 7 years of age Free – on registration

  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Straw sculpture

    Join us as we create a collective work of art in straw. Together, we’ll create giant Queyras rosettes! Grab your pliers, wire and straw bales, and let’s get to work on a little DIY for everyone, with the pleasure of seeing the result of a collective effort, all in natural materials, at the end of the day. A workshop ” Create and dress the structures “ 10h-11h30 and 13h30-15h00 For children aged 12 and over Free – on registrationA workshop ” Decorate the structures “ 11h30-12h30 and 15h-16h For children aged 6 to 12 Free – on registration

  • 11 a.m. - Sophrology

    Sophrology is a method of deeply relaxing the body and mind, using breathing, visualization and dynamic relaxation techniques. A great way to gently take care of yourself in a moment of deep relaxation. 11-12pm From age 12 8 euros – on registration

  • 15h - Gentle yet powerful Yin Yoga

    Slowly paced, incorporating the principles of Chinese medicine. A connection to the self, relaxation and deep release of body and mind. Acquire and gently develop greater flexibility. 3pm-4pm From age 12 8 euros – on registration

Lecture tours
  • 9:30 - Trees, between visible and invisible

    Talk by Ernst Zürcher, Swiss forestry engineer, professor and researcher in wood science. In the midst of larches, oaks and pines, let yourself be guided by the voice of Ernst Zürcher, who will share his knowledge, emotions and feelings with you. Embark on a unique experience, an active and emotional nature bath, immersed in the alpine forests of the Guillestrois region! 9.30am – 10.30am All ages 3 € – registration required

  • 10 a.m. - The enchanted forest

    Sens’action walk “The enchanted forest” led by Yoann Oliviero of the Serre-Ponçon Guillestrois-Queyras Heritage Service. Will we rediscover the spirit of the forest? Touch, feel, look differently, an active and sensory immersion walk to listen to the forest of the Hautes-Alpes. 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Family – 6 years and over 3€ – registration required

  • 1:30 pm - Live my life as a forester

    In the presence of Vianney Taing, ONF forester Guided by an ONF forester, explore the Réotier forest, discovering the richness of our forest heritage and how it is managed. Alongside him, you’ll learn how to recognize forest species and how the ONF, during the hammering process, determines which trees to harvest to shape the forest of tomorrow. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm All ages 3 € – registration required

  • 2pm - Alpine tree identification and forest management

    Christophe Lefort, polar expedition leader, mountain guide and forester. Ever wanted to know how to identify the trees you come across on a hike? Christophe, forester and mountain guide, will give you all the tips you need to recognize the different tree species, and reveal the superpowers of the chlorophyll giants! We’ll also take you into the day-to-day workings of the forestry profession, from managing forests to protecting and developing them. 2pm-3pm From 3 euros – registration required

  • 2pm - Let's talk to the trees

    Alongside a mountain guide, you’ll explore the forest and learn about the different species of trees, how they function and what makes them special… This is an easy hike with a slight gradient. 14h-17h From 8 years old 10 euros – on registration

Workshops
  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Yoga L'Arbre entre Terre et Ciel

    Sessions based on the Tree posture, Vrikshasana. An invitation to experience the symbolism and energy of the Tree: rootedness, verticality, centering and balance. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (20′ sessions every hour) From 12 years of age Free – on registration

  • 10h and 11h - Seeds

    Let’s discover the biological life of the seeds that surround us. How do they multiply? How can a single seed become a plant that will in turn give rise to a multitude of other seeds? 10am-11am and 11am-12pm Ages 6 and up Free – on registration

  • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Tree climbing

    Based on a tried and tested technique, climbing combines with communion with the forest element. You’ll discover the world from above, without aiming for a sporting feat… It’s more a question of getting back in touch with nature for a moment. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Ages 7 and up Free – on registration

Conferences
  • 11 a.m. - Life without trees?

    Interview with Christophe Lefort, polar expedition leader, mountain guide and forester. The polar regions are dominated by a tundra landscape, where the tallest trees are only a few centimetres tall, and the wind blows at its own pace, free from any natural barriers that might slow it down. And yet, the polar regions are teeming with life: animals, flowers and people have adapted to these very special conditions. How do people cope with the absence of trees? 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Open to the public Free of charge

  • 15:30 - For My Planet's Riverkeepers take action!

    Teenagers from Toulon talk about their environmental and social commitment in their school and neighborhood, and their scientific expedition to the glaciers of Chamonix. Together, let’s take action for a more resilient world! 3:30 pm – 5 pm All audiences Free

A new event

up to the essential

On the edge of the Hautes-Alpes, there’s a little corner of paradise where nature loves to express itself in its purest form…
At the dawn of autumn, bathed in sunshine, illuminated by flamboyant colors, a territory on a human scale and animated by beautiful values, we invite you to disconnect… to find yourself.
Just as when you take a break from your daily routine to immerse yourself in our little corner of the world, we wanted this weekend to encourage you to reconnect with what’s essential…
Comfortably installed in the forest of Réotier, in the heart of nature, we’re going to brighten up your senses, your curiosity, your reflection and your sensitivity with lectures, sensory walks and artistic encounters.
May this interlude give rise to many beautiful intentions.

A few practical tips

To make the most…

of this event, we recommend that you take :

  • Warm clothes and a thermos, as well as a hat and sunscreen, depending on the weather.
  • A blanket or duvet, or even your hammock
  • A folding chair and your headlamp if you have one
  • Water, as there’s no source on site to refill water bottles

On-site catering (paid service) Dry toilets

How do I get to Nature Connexion?By car or shuttle

Info

Free shuttles

Nature Connexion isn’t just an event close to nature, it’s an event in nature!

Shuttles…

… to limit traffic in Réotier’s winding roads.

Leaving from the equestrian center at the Eygliers lake (free parking near the SNCF train station)

  • Saturday: 9am – 10am – 1pm – 2pm – 5pm – 8pm
  • Sunday: 8.30am – 1pm – 3pm – 4.45pm

Returns 30min after the time indicated.


The Nature Connexion program is made up of conferences and workshops, all led by passionate experts. Highlights include – Cooperating with trees: agroforestry and other interactions – A discussion led by ethnobotany researcher Geneviève Michon to explore the different ways we cooperate with trees on a daily basis, and how this relationship can enhance our well-being. – Trees, between the visible and the invisible – A lecture by Ernst Zürcher (an engineer who revolutionized our understanding of trees and how to use them).This talk will take participants deep into the heart of the Guillestrois alpine forests, sharing knowledge, emotions and feelings. – Screening of Lætitia Roux’s new film “Be the Change”, shot in the Queyras region: “Les Arbres, Gardiens de la Vie”, featuring contributions from Vianney Taing of the NFB and Ernst Zürcher, also present at the festival. These conferences will be accompanied by a variety of workshops, including sophrology, Yin Yoga, an Escape Game to raise awareness of man’s impact on the mountain ecosystem, tree climbing, the art of straw sculpture and much more. You can find the complete program by day above.

Close