Vanoise

Vanoise, officially Parc national de la Vanoise, is a French national park located in the western Alps in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. Established in 1963, it was the first national park created in the country. The park covers about 525 square kilometers and protects a large portion of the Vanoise Massif, including glaciated peaks, cirques, and high alpine pastures.

Geography and landscape: The park's elevations range from roughly 900 meters in the valley floors to 3,855 meters at Grande Casse, its highest summit. The landscape features glacial valleys, rocky ridges, and extensive alpine meadows, with numerous glaciers and a network of streams feeding the surrounding valleys.

Flora and fauna: The Vanoise hosts communities adapted to high altitude conditions, including a variety of alpine habitats and plant life. The park is particularly noted for its Alpine ibex population, which was reintroduced there in the mid-20th century and has become a symbol of the park. Other wildlife includes chamois, marmots, and various bird species such as golden eagles.

Conservation and access: The park aims to conserve ecosystems while allowing sustainable tourism. It maintains marked trails, refuges, and guided programs, and regulates activities to protect nesting sites and sensitive habitats. Research and monitoring programs address climate change impacts on alpine environments and wildlife populations. Nearby ski resorts and villages provide visitor infrastructure that operates within park guidelines.