Vanoise National Park

Aussois is located in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. An immense natural area where flora and fauna are protected.

Within this park—the first of its kind to be established in France—you’ll often hear marmots whistling in the spring and summer. You may be lucky enough to spot chamois or ibex and see a golden eagle or bearded vulture, one of Europe’s largest birds, soaring overhead. A park to explore while respecting the tranquility of the wildlife and preserving the flora. Take advantage of guided tours led byAussois professionalsAussois learn more and hike trails where natural wonders can be observed at every step.

France's first national park

The Vanoise National Park is a protected area located largely in the Haute Maurienne Vanoise, of which the townAussois a part. Founded in 1963, largely thanks to Gilbert André, then mayor of Bonneval-sur-Arc, the Vanoise National Park was the first to be established in France. It borders the Italian Gran Paradiso National Park Gran Paradiso , and together they form the largest protected area in the Western Alps.

The central zone of Vanoise National Park, known as the “Heart,” is a strictly protected area governed by regulations designed to promote biodiversity in landscapes, habitats, and species, and to preserve the cultural and mountain heritage.

The “Core” zone of Vanoise National Park is strictly protected, and certain rules must be followed to ensure that the flora and fauna can thrive (no picking of plants, no dogs allowed, among other restrictions). The Park remains, however, a place of freedom where visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and fishing… camping is permitted at designated sites near the mountain huts.

Vanoise National Park, Aussois, Plan d'Amont lake

Access to the Heart of the Park

By chairlift, mountain bike or car from the village

From Aussois, the “Cœur” area of the Vanoise National Park is very easy to reach. In the summer, you can take the Grand Jeu chairlift; the trail leading to the “Cœur” area is just a few meters from the top station. It’s also possible to drive or mountain bike up via the dam road. If driving, park at the Plan d’Amont parking lot. A wide trail allows you to climb gently along Lake Plan d’Amont up to the Sétéria Bridge. Mountain bikes are allowed up to this point, at which point you are already in the heart of the park. You can then continue on foot toward the RâteauAussois one of the 3,000-meter peaks of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise to everyone in summer) or take a stroll to the beautiful FondAussois to the sound of whistling marmots.

Aussois is located in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. An immense natural area where flora and fauna are protected.

The Park in figures

The Vanoise National Park is...
  • Twenty glaciers
  • More than 100 peaks above 3,000 metres
  • 600 km of trails
  • Around 1,800 ibex (the largest population in France, despite the fact that this emblematic animal almost disappeared from the French Alps in the 20th century)
  • Some forty shelters
  • Europe's largest protected area, along with its Italian neighbor Grand Paradis (14 km of shared border between the two parks).

A privileged encounter with nature

Meetings with Vanoise National Park wardens

The park rangers, whose missions within the National Parks are very varied, offer winter and summer meetings to introduce you to their profession, to help you observe the fauna through spotting scopes and to help you discover the secrets of this majestic environment.

Day trips or evening events organized by the park rangers at the various mountain huts located within the Vanoise National Park, such as the FondAussois or Parrachée,

Don't hesitate to get in touch with mountain guides who have the "Esprit Parc" label. As well as guiding you safely along the itineraries and trails, they'll attract your attention, arouse your curiosity and inspire you to find out more about the mountain environment.

For more information: the official website of Vanoise National Park.

Aussois is located in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. An immense natural area where flora and fauna are protected.
Esprit Parc National presents what it means to have the right spirit?
Indispensable for protecting an exceptional and fragile natural environment

Adopt the "Parc attitude

Walking, running, photographing, smelling, listening, breathing, contemplating, observing, learning, passing on, respecting...

– Comeon foot, without your dog (even on a leash)
– Admirethe beauty of the flowers without picking them; they won’t grow back at your home
– Enjoydelicious local products, but don’t feed the marmots
– Minimizeyour water and electricity use at the mountain huts
– Immerse yourselfin the calm of the mountains, in the tranquility… disconnect
– Stay onthe trails and don’t cut across the switchbacks on the descent
– Takethe shuttle buses instead of your car

Open this wonderful picture book with your children, spark their curiosity, and teach them about the environment and respect… That’s what a real mountain vacation is all about!

Turn your smartphone into a hiking GPS with the rando.vanoise.com app, available free on App Store and Google Play.