The narcissus, or wild daffodil, is synonymous with the Riviera region. During their flowering season in spring, these delicate white blooms carpet the meadows. Locals aptly call this beautiful display as May Snow. In years gone by, visitors from far and wide flocked to the region to pick the narcissi. Today, this practice is actively discouraged as areas where these flowers grow are shrinking fast, threatening the survival of this natural springtime phenomenon.

May Snow under threat
Sadly, the region's wild daffodil population is in sharp decline. A recent survey of the narcissus meadows carried out by the Park found that, in the space of 20 years, the flower's habitat had shrunk by 40%. Growing urbanisation and changes in farming practices are the two main drivers of this downward trend.

Narcisses Riviera to the rescue
The association Narcisses Riviera was created in 1999 to safeguard the region's wild daffodil population. In addition to practical action to protect the blooms, the association raises awareness among Riviera residents of their important place in the region's heritage.

Daffodil Trail in Les Avants: a feast for the eyes and the mind
The Daffodil Trail in Les Avants is a wonderful way to learn more about the region's iconic flower. The best time to do this walking tour is when the flowers are in bloom. But the trail, which follows SwitzerlandMobility route 133, can be enjoyed all year round. The tour runs through a varied landscape, criss-crossing farmland and woodland and offering lots of interesting sights along the way like the ruins of a medieval tour and a huge erratic boulder, as well as fabulous panoramic views of Lake Geneva.

The narcissus (or daffodil) is a member of the Liliaceae family. It can reproduce in one of two ways: either sexually, through the fertilisation of the flowers which then produces seeds, or asexually, through bulb germination.

While sexual reproduction relies on pollinators, asexual reproduction depends on the leaves' ability to store lots of energy so that the bulb can divide. Protecting the leaves from damage is therefore vital to the plant's survival.
Two species of narcissus grow in the meadows, pastures, embankments, and forest edges in Les Avants: the pheasant's eye daffodil and the smaller star-shaped narcissus radiiflorus.

Narcissus poëticus – Pheasant's eye daffodil
Height: 30–60 cm
Leaves: 6–13 mm wide
Tepals (petals): round and slightly overlapping

Narcissus radiiflorus
Height: 20–40 cm
Leaves: 5–8 mm wide
Tepals (petals): wedge-shaped at the base and very little or no overlapping
Flowering season: April–June (depending on altitude)

Help protect the narcissi:
-  Do not walk or lie down on wild narcissus fields (the flowers are extremely delicate).
-  Keep your dog on a leash and stay on the paths (wild narcissus season often coincides with a period when local wildlife is particularly vulnerable).
-   Respect private property signs and residents' privacy.
-   When in protected areas, follow the relevant rules and regulations.
-   Leave no trace. Take your rubbish home.