At 918 km2 (354 mi2), the Écrins National Park is the largest in France. It was given national park status in 1973 and lies in the south eastern part of Fran...
At 918 km2 (354 mi2), the Écrins National Park is the largest in France. It was given national park status in 1973 and lies in the south eastern part of France in the mountainous region of the Dauphine Alps.
As befits a national park of its size and status, it has truly magnificent views, from stupendous snow-covered pe...
At 918 km2 (354 mi2), the Écrins National Park is the largest in France. It was given national park status in 1973 and lies in the south eastern part of France in the mountainous region of the Dauphine Alps.
As befits a national park of its size and status, it has truly magnificent views, from stupendous snow-covered peaks to lush flowering meadows of purple gentians, lilies and blue thistles. There are over 800 protected flora species here, so there are spectacular displays in spring and summer, highly recommended in June and July.
With 167 rare and valuable species in the park, there’s also a wealth of wildlife to look out for, although most are quite shy. Eagles, willow grouse and ptarmigans share the expansive landscape with chamois, ibex and marmots.
The tough Alpine terrain, framed by glaciers, will hold terrific appeal for the serious climber (and skiers in the winter), as it has more than 100 summits over 3,000 m (~9,842 ft) high, with the highest, the Barre des Ecrins, rising to 4,102 m (13,458 ft). But walkers and less experienced hikers needn’t feel left out – there are said to be more than 700 km (~435 ft) of marked, well-worn tracks ranging in difficulty and length from short strolls to trips of a day or more.
Although not as popular or recognised as some Alpine ski resorts, Ecrins has two ski stations within its borders – Puy-Saint-Vincent and Pelvoux-Vallouise, and nearby on the north east border are the better established resorts of Alpe d’Huez and Deux-Alpes.