Vanoise National Park
Haute Maurienne Vanoise is at the heart of the grandiose landscapes of the Vanoise National Park, an exceptional natural environment and an area emblematic of high-mountain conservation since its creation.
The Vanoise National Park is the first French national park, created in 1963 to safeguard a great variety of flora and fauna, in particular the ibex, which was at that time on its way to becoming extinct.
The Vanoise National Park shares 14 km of border with the Grand Paradis National Park in Italy, forming between them the largest protected area in Europe. Together, they represent 1250 km² of an exceptional and preserved natural environment.
A magnificent natural space
With over 107 summits above 3000 m, around a hundred high-altitude lakes, legendary passes, including the Iseran pass, twenty or so glaciers and some forty mountain huts, the Vanoise National Park is filled with surprises and beautiful sites.
An incomparable animal sanctuary
The Vanoise National Park features the largest French colony of mountain ibex, corresponding to 2500 animals, as well as 5500 chamois.
If you get up early, you might be able to admire the diversity of animals in the Park:
- The mountain hare, dressed in a white coat, the fox, the ptarmigan, the black grouse, the golden eagle or even the bearded vulture.
Visit the Maison de la Vanoise at Termignon la Vanoise
This information and discovery area is dedicated to the Vanoise National Park. It presents a permanent exhibition, "Project Nature," temporary exhibitions, activities in season and a Park hostess to welcome you.
Open: all year, according to the schedule of the Tourism Office.
Discover the Park
Thanks to the alpine ski runs, you can travel to the heights and take full advantage of this exceptional environment and the panoramas offered by the Park.
- Access to high altitudes is possible from the ski runs of Termignon la Vanoise, Val Cenis and Bonneval sur Arc (alpine skiers and pedestrians).
In winter, activities allowing to take full advantage of the Park are limited:
- Ski-hiking from Termignon la Vanoise, Val Cenis, Bessans and Bonneval sur Arc.
Learn more about the Park
