Discovering the South of France’s Écrins National Park 

Écrins National Park is a wonderful natural environment situated in the south-eastern corner of France. This mountainous area of the Daupine Alps has over a hundred different summits that are above 3000 meters high. You will find everything from glacier fields to alpine pastures, full of spring flowers, woodlands and lakes nestled between its high peaks.

This stunningly diverse national park is a paradise for experienced climbers but is also enjoyed by walkers and winter sports enthusiasts, along with those who just want to experience getting away from the crowds and discovering nature at its wildest.

Despite its slightly daunting rocky landscape, Écrins National Park attracts over 800,000 visitors a year and has gained the European Diploma of Protected Areas by the Council of Europe.

This beautiful national park has something to offer every visitor. With specially graded footpaths, signposted observation vistas and updated information points at regular intervals, the park’s 700 kilometres of marked trails are well-signposted and maintained.

There are designated natural reserves in the park that you can explore, such as Pics du Combeynot, Vallée du Beranger and Vallée de Saint-Pierre, amongst others.

Écrins National Park is one of ten national parks in France. This vast expanse of natural splendour covers 918 kilometres squared and rises to altitudes of up to 4,102 metres.

This type of rocky terrain demands some consideration about what you should wear, especially on your feet, so do some planning and be well prepared. If strenuous exercise isn’t high on your French holiday agenda, you can admire the scenery from a car.

Either way, there is no better place to get away from the crowds and get some fresh air into your lungs than at the beautiful Écrins National Park.