National Park Alps

Vanoise National Park

France

The Vanoise National Park, nestled in the heart of the French Alps, is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. Established in 1963, it was the first national park in France, created to protect the Alpine ibex. Visitors can enjoy over 500 kilometers of marked trails that meander through verdant valleys, past crystal-clear lakes, and alongside majestic glaciers. The park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering an array of landscapes from lush meadows to rocky summits. While hiking through the diverse terrains,  you can indulge in wildlife watching, including spotting ibex and chamois, and exploring traditional Alpine villages, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's culture and history. The Vanoise glacier is a highlight, providing breathtaking views and a sense of awe for those who venture close. In addition to hiking, the park offers opportunities for skiing in winter, making it a year-round destination.

Écrins National Park

France

Situated in the southern part of the French Alps, the Écrins National Park is known for its rugged, wild beauty. It covers an area of over 900 square kilometers and features more than 150 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. The park is a sanctuary for a rich variety of wildlife and plant species, making it a prime destination for ecotourism. The Tour des Écrins, a famous long-distance hiking route, offers an immersive experience of the park's dramatic landscapes. Here, you can engage in long-distance hiking on the Tour des Écrins, try your hand at mountaineering and climbing, and enjoy bird watching and botanical tours that highlight the park's incredible biodiversity. The diverse ecosystems range from glacial valleys to alpine meadows, providing a habitat for species such as golden eagles, marmots, and rare alpine plants. For those seeking adventure, the park's challenging climbs and via ferrata routes offer thrilling experiences.

Mercantour National Park

France

Mercantour National Park, located in southeastern France, is unique for its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. This park combines Alpine and Mediterranean influences, creating a diverse environment where olive trees grow alongside larches. The Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Marvels) is a must-visit, known for its prehistoric rock carvings. These ancient engravings date back to the Bronze Age and offer a fascinating glimpse into early human history. Mercantour is also home to wolves, which were reintroduced to the park in the 1990s, and their presence adds a touch of wildness to the park's serene landscapes. Additionally, hikers can explore part of the GR5 (Grande Randonnée 5) from Briançon to Nice,  which traverses through some of the most stunning landscapes in the park. Exploring the Vallée des Merveilles, discovering the park's diverse flora, observing wolves in their natural habitat, and hiking part of the GR5 from Briançon to Nice are among the top activities that make Mercantour a unique destination. The park also offers opportunities for cycling and horseback riding, making it accessible for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Gran Paradiso National Park

Italy

Gran Paradiso, Italy's oldest national park, was established in 1922 to protect the Alpine ibex. It shares a border with France's Vanoise National Park, creating a vast protected area. The park features stunning glacial landscapes, dense forests, and alpine meadows. Gran Paradiso itself, at 4,061 meters, is a popular climb for mountaineers and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Visitors can hike to the summit of Gran Paradiso, capture incredible wildlife photography, especially of the Alpine ibex, and enjoy panoramic views from high-altitude trails, each offering a different perspective of this magnificent park. The park is also known for its pristine environment, where visitors can find crystal-clear streams and a variety of wildflowers during the summer. Additionally, the traditional stone villages within the park provide a cultural touch, allowing visitors to experience the local heritage and cuisine.

Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park

Italy

The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, is celebrated for its dramatic limestone formations and unique geology. The park offers a mix of serene valleys, steep cliffs, and high plateaus. It's a haven for botanists, with numerous endemic plant species. The Dolomites are also famous for their "enrosadira," a phenomenon where the mountains glow pink at sunrise and sunset. In Dolomiti Bellunesi, you can enjoy rock climbing and via ferrata routes, embark on botanical excursions to discover rare plants, and marvel at the stunning scenery and geological wonders that define this remarkable landscape. The park's extensive network of trails makes it an excellent destination for hikers of all levels. In winter, the Dolomites transform into a skiing and snowboarding paradise, attracting visitors from around the world. The local culture is rich, with numerous festivals and events celebrating the region's history and traditions.