This work is by well-known authors: Louis Poiron (in memoriam), Lionel Crales, and Ludovic Thilbault will be presented, in the presence of the authors, on Friday, May 12, in the Gardens of the Departmental Hotel.
The Alpes-Maritimes undoubtedly present a major interest in flora. This modest space, being one of the smallest departments in France, contains a real mosaic of diverse landscapes.
The coastline, though heavily urbanized, still houses some remarkable natural enclaves. The middle region, with its rugged terrain, harbors wild spaces composed, depending on the slopes, of an alternation of deep forests and more open areas. As for the highlands, crowned by the Mercantour massif, they offer beautifully alpine landscapes that host a significant number of plant species unique to the world.
This exceptional heritage was well known to Louis Poirion (1901-1994). A professor of natural sciences in Grasse and a confirmed botanist, he tirelessly explored the department and, through his publications, contributed to the enrichment and dissemination of knowledge across the entire sector. An active participant in the creation of the Mercantour National Park, he left behind a fascinating manuscript,
never edited until today, which constitutes the first part of this work. Summarizing the major vegetation groups of the Alpes-Maritimes, the chapter is skillfully illustrated by Nadia Loury, a geographer and consultant specializing in biodiversity issues.
