The Vanoise National Park
The Haute Maurienne Vanoise region is at the heart of the grandiose landscapes of the Vanoise National Park, an exceptional natural reserve and a symbol of protection of the mountain environment since its creation.
The Vanoise National Park is the first French national park, created in 1963 to protect a great diversity of plants and animals, in particular the ibex, which was on its way to becoming extinct.
Sharing 14 km of common border, the Vanoise National Park and the Grand Paradis National Park in Italy together form the largest protected area in Europe. This represents 1250 km² of exceptional preserved natural environment that await your visit.
Incomparable diversity of flora and fauna
You can observe close-up the herds of ibex, surprise the chamois as they climb the steep slopes of the highest summits, listen for the whistle of marmots, who watch for predators like the Golden Eagle, a raptor with a two-meter wingspread who glides through the air on the look-out for prey, or the huge bearded vulture, known as the "bone-breaker."
On family outings, you can discover the edelweiss, that rare flower symbolic of high mountains, the linaigrette or cotton plant, the majestic Lady's-slipper, or you can take a rest in the shadow of the great larch forests.
An imposing and accessible natural space
With over 107 summits more than 3000 meters high, a hundred high-altitude lakes, legendary passes - including the Iseran Pass, the highest roadway pass in Europe - twenty glaciers, forty mountain huts, and 600 km of trails, the Vanoise National Park is filled with beauty and surprises.
Visit the House of the Vanoise at Termignon la Vanoise
This information and discovery space is dedicated to the Vanoise National Park. It features a permanent exhibition, "Project Nature," temporary exhibitions, activities and a Park hostess to welcome you.
Discover the Park
