Vanoise National Park | National Parks Association

Vanoise Overview

Vanoise National Park, or Parc national de la Vanoise in French, is located in the Savoie region of southeastern France, nestled within the French Alps.

Established in 1963 as France’s first national park, it spans approximately 520 square miles (1,347 square kilometers), providing a vast and pristine sanctuary for alpine wildlife and stunning landscapes. The park sits between the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, with its eastern boundary bordering Italy’s Gran Paradiso National Park, forming one of the largest protected areas in Western Europe.

Vanoise is renowned for its breathtaking mountainous terrain, featuring over 100 peaks that rise above 9,800 feet (3,000 meters), including La Grande Casse, the highest point at 12,648 feet (3,864 meters). Visitors will find vast glaciers, deep valleys, alpine meadows, and clear mountain streams, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The landscape of Vanoise is defined by its dramatic contrasts. Glaciers such as the Glacier de la Grande Motte and Glacier de la Vanoise carve through the high-altitude scenery, remnants of the region’s glacial past.

The lower elevations feature lush alpine meadows that burst with wildflowers in the summer, including edelweiss, gentians, and orchids, while larch and spruce forests blanket the valleys. The park’s rugged rock faces and steep cliffs make it a challenging yet rewarding environment for mountaineers and hikers.

Several picturesque lakes, such as Lac Blanc and Lac des Vaches, add to the park’s serene beauty, reflecting the surrounding peaks and offering peaceful spots for contemplation.

Vanoise National Park is a haven for wildlife, with one of the most significant populations of Alpine ibex in Europe. These majestic mountain goats, once nearly extinct, have thrived under the park’s protection. Other notable mammals include chamois, red deer, marmots, and the elusive Eurasian lynx.

The park is also an important birdwatching destination, home to golden eagles, bearded vultures, peregrine falcons, and ptarmigans. The bearded vulture, reintroduced to the region, is a particular conservation success story, as the species was once nearly wiped out in the Alps. Birdsong and the calls of marmots echo through the valleys, adding to the immersive natural experience of the park.

Among the park’s most popular features are its extensive hiking trails, including sections of the legendary GR5 and Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise, which allow visitors to traverse the park’s stunning landscapes on foot. In winter, ski touring and snowshoeing are favored activities, providing a quieter alternative to the bustling ski resorts of the surrounding Savoie region.

Traditional alpine refuges offer shelter and hospitality to trekkers, allowing for multi-day adventures through the park’s rugged beauty. Photographers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to the scenic vistas and opportunities to observe wildlife up close.

Conservation has been at the heart of Vanoise National Park’s mission since its inception. The successful reintroduction and protection of the Alpine ibex and bearded vulture highlight the park’s role in wildlife conservation.

However, challenges persist, including climate change affecting glacier retreat and fragile alpine ecosystems. The park works to balance tourism with environmental stewardship, encouraging responsible exploration while preserving its rich biodiversity.

Through ongoing scientific research, conservation programs, and sustainable visitor management, Vanoise National Park remains a pristine and cherished part of the French Alps.

Park Map

Vanoise National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Vanoise National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species, from majestic birds of prey to small alpine songbirds. The park’s varied landscapes provide ideal habitats for these avian residents.

Golden Eagle
One of the most iconic birds of prey in the Alps, the golden eagle soars high above the mountains, hunting for marmots, hares, and other small mammals. With its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, it is a top predator of the skies.

Bearded Vulture
Also known as the lammergeier, the bearded vulture is famous for its bone-breaking behavior. It feeds primarily on bones, dropping them from great heights to crack them open. This large scavenger plays an essential role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses.

Peregrine Falcon
The fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is known for its high-speed dives when hunting birds mid-air. It can be found nesting on cliffs and rocky outcrops throughout the park.

Wallcreeper
A unique and elusive bird, the wallcreeper is recognized by its striking red and black wings. It clings to vertical rock faces, using its long, curved bill to search for insects hidden in cracks.

Black Woodpecker
Europe’s largest woodpecker, the black woodpecker, is known for its loud drumming and distinctive calls. It plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystem by excavating tree cavities that other species use for nesting.

Alpine Accentor
A true bird of the high mountains, the Alpine accentor thrives in rocky and snowy environments. It feeds on insects and seeds, often foraging in small groups.

White-winged Snowfinch
Adapted to high-altitude conditions, the white-winged snowfinch is a small passerine bird that can be seen flitting between snow-covered rocks. Its plumage provides excellent camouflage against the alpine backdrop.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
One of Europe’s smallest owls, the Eurasian pygmy owl is an expert hunter despite its tiny size. It preys on small birds and rodents and is most active during dawn and dusk.

Northern Goshawk
A powerful and agile raptor, the Northern goshawk hunts through dense forests, preying on birds and small mammals. Its sharp talons and swift flight make it a formidable predator.

Common Rock Thrush
This colorful bird, with its blue and orange plumage, thrives in rocky alpine habitats. The common rock thrush is known for its melodious song, which adds to the beauty of the park’s summer landscapes.

Popular

Vanoise National Park, located in the French Alps, is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife. This protected area provides a sanctuary for many iconic alpine species, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers.

Alpine Ibex
A true symbol of the park, the Alpine ibex is a large wild goat with impressive curved horns. This species, once nearly extinct in the region, has rebounded due to conservation efforts. They are often spotted on rocky slopes, skillfully navigating steep terrain.

Chamois
Slightly smaller than the ibex, the chamois is a nimble mountain-dwelling ungulate with short, hooked horns. These animals are well-adapted to the alpine environment, able to leap great distances while traversing cliffs and rugged landscapes.

Red Fox
A highly adaptable predator, the red fox roams the park’s meadows and forests. It has keen hunting skills and a distinctive bushy tail, often preying on small mammals, birds, and insects.

Eurasian Lynx
This elusive feline is one of the top predators in the park. With its tufted ears and spotted fur, the Eurasian lynx is a master of camouflage. Though rarely seen, it plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem by controlling herbivore populations.

Marmot
One of the park’s most beloved species, the marmot is a large ground squirrel that thrives in alpine meadows. These social animals are known for their loud whistles, used to warn their group of approaching predators.

European Roe Deer
This small and graceful deer species is commonly seen in the park’s lower-altitude forests and meadows. Roe deer are known for their reddish summer coats and their ability to move swiftly through dense vegetation.

Brown Bear
Although rare in the region, brown bears occasionally traverse the park’s remote areas. As a top predator, the bear plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, primarily feeding on a mix of plants, fish, and small mammals.

Eurasian Badger
A nocturnal forager, the Eurasian badger is known for its black-and-white facial markings and burrowing habits. It feeds on a variety of foods, including earthworms, fruits, and small vertebrates.

Snow Vole
A small rodent well-adapted to cold alpine conditions, the snow vole is a key prey species for many of the park’s predators. These small mammals thrive in rocky environments and crevices.

Western Capercaillie
Although often considered a bird, the Western capercaillie is mentioned here because of its ground-dwelling habits. This large woodland grouse is famous for its elaborate courtship displays and can be found in the park’s dense coniferous forests.

Birds

Vanoise National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species, from majestic birds of prey to small alpine songbirds. The park’s varied landscapes provide ideal habitats for these avian residents.

Golden Eagle
One of the most iconic birds of prey in the Alps, the golden eagle soars high above the mountains, hunting for marmots, hares, and other small mammals. With its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, it is a top predator of the skies.

Bearded Vulture
Also known as the lammergeier, the bearded vulture is famous for its bone-breaking behavior. It feeds primarily on bones, dropping them from great heights to crack them open. This large scavenger plays an essential role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses.

Peregrine Falcon
The fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is known for its high-speed dives when hunting birds mid-air. It can be found nesting on cliffs and rocky outcrops throughout the park.

Wallcreeper
A unique and elusive bird, the wallcreeper is recognized by its striking red and black wings. It clings to vertical rock faces, using its long, curved bill to search for insects hidden in cracks.

Black Woodpecker
Europe’s largest woodpecker, the black woodpecker, is known for its loud drumming and distinctive calls. It plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystem by excavating tree cavities that other species use for nesting.

Alpine Accentor
A true bird of the high mountains, the Alpine accentor thrives in rocky and snowy environments. It feeds on insects and seeds, often foraging in small groups.

White-winged Snowfinch
Adapted to high-altitude conditions, the white-winged snowfinch is a small passerine bird that can be seen flitting between snow-covered rocks. Its plumage provides excellent camouflage against the alpine backdrop.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
One of Europe’s smallest owls, the Eurasian pygmy owl is an expert hunter despite its tiny size. It preys on small birds and rodents and is most active during dawn and dusk.

Northern Goshawk
A powerful and agile raptor, the Northern goshawk hunts through dense forests, preying on birds and small mammals. Its sharp talons and swift flight make it a formidable predator.

Common Rock Thrush
This colorful bird, with its blue and orange plumage, thrives in rocky alpine habitats. The common rock thrush is known for its melodious song, which adds to the beauty of the park’s summer landscapes.

Popular

Vanoise National Park, located in the French Alps, is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife. This protected area provides a sanctuary for many iconic alpine species, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers.

Alpine Ibex
A true symbol of the park, the Alpine ibex is a large wild goat with impressive curved horns. This species, once nearly extinct in the region, has rebounded due to conservation efforts. They are often spotted on rocky slopes, skillfully navigating steep terrain.

Chamois
Slightly smaller than the ibex, the chamois is a nimble mountain-dwelling ungulate with short, hooked horns. These animals are well-adapted to the alpine environment, able to leap great distances while traversing cliffs and rugged landscapes.

Red Fox
A highly adaptable predator, the red fox roams the park’s meadows and forests. It has keen hunting skills and a distinctive bushy tail, often preying on small mammals, birds, and insects.

Eurasian Lynx
This elusive feline is one of the top predators in the park. With its tufted ears and spotted fur, the Eurasian lynx is a master of camouflage. Though rarely seen, it plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem by controlling herbivore populations.

Marmot
One of the park’s most beloved species, the marmot is a large ground squirrel that thrives in alpine meadows. These social animals are known for their loud whistles, used to warn their group of approaching predators.

European Roe Deer
This small and graceful deer species is commonly seen in the park’s lower-altitude forests and meadows. Roe deer are known for their reddish summer coats and their ability to move swiftly through dense vegetation.

Brown Bear
Although rare in the region, brown bears occasionally traverse the park’s remote areas. As a top predator, the bear plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, primarily feeding on a mix of plants, fish, and small mammals.

Eurasian Badger
A nocturnal forager, the Eurasian badger is known for its black-and-white facial markings and burrowing habits. It feeds on a variety of foods, including earthworms, fruits, and small vertebrates.

Snow Vole
A small rodent well-adapted to cold alpine conditions, the snow vole is a key prey species for many of the park’s predators. These small mammals thrive in rocky environments and crevices.

Western Capercaillie
Although often considered a bird, the Western capercaillie is mentioned here because of its ground-dwelling habits. This large woodland grouse is famous for its elaborate courtship displays and can be found in the park’s dense coniferous forests.

Birds

Vanoise National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species, from majestic birds of prey to small alpine songbirds. The park’s varied landscapes provide ideal habitats for these avian residents.

Golden Eagle
One of the most iconic birds of prey in the Alps, the golden eagle soars high above the mountains, hunting for marmots, hares, and other small mammals. With its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, it is a top predator of the skies.

Bearded Vulture
Also known as the lammergeier, the bearded vulture is famous for its bone-breaking behavior. It feeds primarily on bones, dropping them from great heights to crack them open. This large scavenger plays an essential role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses.

Peregrine Falcon
The fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is known for its high-speed dives when hunting birds mid-air. It can be found nesting on cliffs and rocky outcrops throughout the park.

Wallcreeper
A unique and elusive bird, the wallcreeper is recognized by its striking red and black wings. It clings to vertical rock faces, using its long, curved bill to search for insects hidden in cracks.

Black Woodpecker
Europe’s largest woodpecker, the black woodpecker, is known for its loud drumming and distinctive calls. It plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystem by excavating tree cavities that other species use for nesting.

Alpine Accentor
A true bird of the high mountains, the Alpine accentor thrives in rocky and snowy environments. It feeds on insects and seeds, often foraging in small groups.

White-winged Snowfinch
Adapted to high-altitude conditions, the white-winged snowfinch is a small passerine bird that can be seen flitting between snow-covered rocks. Its plumage provides excellent camouflage against the alpine backdrop.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
One of Europe’s smallest owls, the Eurasian pygmy owl is an expert hunter despite its tiny size. It preys on small birds and rodents and is most active during dawn and dusk.

Northern Goshawk
A powerful and agile raptor, the Northern goshawk hunts through dense forests, preying on birds and small mammals. Its sharp talons and swift flight make it a formidable predator.

Common Rock Thrush
This colorful bird, with its blue and orange plumage, thrives in rocky alpine habitats. The common rock thrush is known for its melodious song, which adds to the beauty of the park’s summer landscapes.

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