Vanoise National Park

A protected area, a sanctuary for Alpine flora and fauna.

Vanoise National Park was established on July 6, 1963, in Savoie, between the high valleys of Maurienne and Tarentaise. It is the very first national park in France!

Created to save the last ibex, this animal has become the park’s iconic symbol. Today, Vanoise National Park is seen as “a protective barrier, serving both nature and people.” The delicate natural environment is preserved and protected, safeguarding its landscapes, the diversity of its plant and animal species, and its cultural heritage.

To maintain its beauty and biodiversity, the park covers a regulated area of 535 km² where visitors must:

  • Stay on marked trails (no off-piste hiking!)

  • Walk on foot only (no mountain bikes, drones, paragliding, or motorized vehicles)

  • Admire the flowers without picking them (same for fruits and minerals)

  • Enjoy the mountain’s calm without making noise (no dogs)

  • Respect the environment by taking all waste with you, and refrain from camping or lighting fires

By following these rules, you’ll enjoy a majestic setting and a rejuvenating break that allows you to reconnect with nature.

Rich Flora and Fauna

Breathe the pure high-mountain air in a sunny climate, explore 400 km of marked hiking trails, and admire breathtaking landscapes that reach up to 3,855 meters in altitude!

At Lac des Vaches, atop La Grande Casse, or in the Rosuel Valley, you may spot protected species—keep your eyes wide open! You could encounter chamois, ibex, marmots, golden eagles, bearded vultures, ptarmigans, and snow hares.

You’ll also be enchanted by the rare and colorful flora: the pink of rhododendrons, the blue of thistles, the white of edelweiss… Discover 1,400 plant species, 65 of which are protected.

This privileged natural setting is accessible to everyone: children and adults, friends or colleagues, families with strollers, and people with mobility aids. Vanoise National Park is a must-see for nature lovers and curious explorers, offering a chance to reconnect with the natural world.

Hotel Le Télémark, located in the village of Pralognan, is outside the park (as no villages exist within it). You will need to walk a bit—about 4 km—to officially enter the park, though a short drive is possible for part of the approach.