Vanoise National Park is a French national park between the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys in the French Alps, containing the Vanoise massif. It was created in 1963 as the first national park in France.
The Vanoise National Park is in the département of Savoie. Small villages like Champagny-le-Haut, Termignon, La Chiserette, Bramans, Sollières-Sardières, Friburge, Pralognan-la-Vanoise and Séez, lie near the park. The park is bordered by several large French ski resorts (Les Trois Vallées, Tignes, Val-d'Isère, Les Arcs, La Plagne).
On the Italian side of the border, the park is continued by the Gran Paradiso National Park. Together, these two parks cover over 1250 km², making the area the largest alpine national park.
Getting there
There are a few cities close to the national park. The closes airport is in Turin (TRN) in Italy. Alternative routes to get there includes flying to Geneva or Lyon. The easiest wa to reach the national park from these cities is to go by car.
When to visit
The national park offers something to do in all seasons. You can ski in the winter and hike in the summer. The park offers plenty of other activities and you can always discuss your plans with the local authorities and get inspiration.
Map of Vanoise National Park
Image gallery of Vanoise National Park
Visitor/Information centres in Vanoise National Park
Most national parks have an associated visitor centre to help visitors. They are usually open most of the year but some close in the off-season. You will often be able to find information on all the activities in the national park. A visit to the visitor centre is often recommended before venturing into the park.
Wildlife in Vanoise National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Mushroom hunting in Vanoise National Park
There are not much information to be found on mushroom hunting in Vanoise National Park. Be sure to speak to the local authorities about your plans and they should be able to guide you.
Mushroom hunting is very popular in France and the local enjoy this activity all over the country during late summer and fall. Mushrooms always belong to the owner of the land. You should therefore make sure to know the property you are planning to forage on.
You should always remember to respect the following rules when foraging in France:
Camping rules in Vanoise National Park
The laws on wild camping in France is somewhat of a grey area. You are allowed to camp with the permission of the landowner or a tenant of the land. The rules in national parks are more restrictive and you should generally not wild camp within the park borders. You can always explain your plans to the local authorities and get advice on where and how to camp.
Bears in Vanoise National Park
No bears in the park
This national park has no bears and you do not need to take precautions.
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