Vanoise National Park France Travel Postcard

Vanoise National Park (Parc national de la Vanoise), established in 1963, holds the distinction of being France’s first national park. Located in the French Alps in the Savoie region, it was created to protect the dwindling population of Alpine ibex, which has since made a remarkable recovery. The park is characterized by its dramatic mountain landscapes—snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and over 100 summits rising above 3,000 meters. Its borders touch Italy’s Gran Paradiso National Park, forming one of the largest protected areas in the Alps and a vital cross-border wildlife corridor. Vanoise is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers, offering over 600 kilometers of trails that wind through flower-covered pastures, pine forests, and remote mountain refuges. Wildlife is abundant: visitors often spot marmots, chamois, golden eagles, and of course, the iconic ibex. Unlike some other Alpine parks, Vanoise maintains a balance between pastoral life and conservation, with traditional alpine farming still practiced in some valleys. The park is also a haven for wildflowers and rare plant species, especially in spring and summer. With its blend of rugged beauty, ecological richness, and cultural heritage, Vanoise is a cornerstone of alpine conservation and a stunning destination year-round.