Narcissus meadows

Narcissus meadows are an integral part of the region's landscape, both on the hillsides and in the mountains. Within the Park's perimeter, narcissi can be found from the heights of Montreux, at around 700 metres, all the way to the Pays-d'Enhaut, via the Intyamon, culminating in the Mérils meadows at an altitude of 1,780 metres.

The existence of narcissi in the landscape is directly linked to man and agriculture. When farmers began to harvest hay on the steep slopes formerly colonised by daffodils and to clear the forests below, they allowed the plant to develop. This spread is what gave rise to the May snow that was once so famous from Les Avants to the Pays d'Enhaut. By the end of the 19th century, narcissus had become a veritable tourist attraction in the heights of Montreux. People came by train and by car. In Intyamon and the Pays-d'Enhaut, thousands of bouquets were sent by post to florists all over Switzerland.

Agricultural intensification, the abandonment of non-mechanisable plots, reforestation to combat avalanches and urbanisation have all led to a decline in the area of narcissus meadows, estimated at 80% over the last fifty years.

To combat this decline, the Narcisses Riviera Association was set up in 1998. The Fiaudire site had been abandoned and was being replanted. For more than ten years, it has been cleared of undergrowth and mown in September, with the help of the commune of Montreux. Thanks to these measures, hikers can admire a fine example of daffodil meadow, coloured by various orchids as well as numerous insects and butterflies threatened with extinction.