Of the 11 French national parks, four are located in the mountains. From the Vanoise to the Pyrenees, via Les Ecrins and the Mercantour, these are protected areas where nature flourishes freely. Here, the greatest attention is paid to the wild fauna, especially in winter when it becomes more vulnerable. Man makes himself very small, and carefully chooses his activities to blend in as discreetly as possible with the life of nature.
The Écrins National Park, perfect for hikers and food lovers
Parc National des Ecrins, Place Médecin Général Blanchard, Briançon, France
The Briançonnais, Oisans, Valbonnais, and Valgaudemar valleys are more low-key than their famous neighbors in the Vanoise, yet they are a favorite playground for hikers year-round. The Écrins National Park forms a dramatic gateway between the Northern and Southern Alps, with more than fifteen peaks rising above 3,000 meters, carved by deep valleys and sculpted by glaciers.
The park’s teams organize a wide range of themed hiking experiences, many designed especially for families, including walks focused on spotting chamois. In these vast, unspoiled landscapes, visitors can also opt for a snowshoe outing and feel like a trapper for half a day. Open to children as young as five, guided walks led by a naturalist promise memorable encounters with local wildlife.
The Écrins is also known for its rich mountain food culture. In La Grave or La Meije, visitors can stroll through alpine villages and discover local farms and producers. Cheeses, meats, pasta, honey, nougat, food lovers will be well rewarded.
Breath of fresh air
Alps - Mont Blanc
Vanoise National Park, reaching for the high peaks
Parc National de la Vanoise - Siège, Rue Docteur Julliand, Chambéry, France
Welcome to the Savoy Alps, between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, where soaring peaks exceed 3,000 meters and glaciers shape the landscape. Although the Vanoise National Park is encircled by famous ski resorts like Tignes, Val d’Isère, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens, its heart remains untouched, with no ski lifts and strict protection of its natural environment.
Accompanied by the park’s naturalist guides, families can quietly set off in search of wildlife tracks. During school holidays, guided walks are offered several times a week, including around Pralognan-la-Vanoise. In the snow, these outings feel like a discreet nature treasure hunt, designed to observe, not disturb, species such as chamois, mountain hares, and black grouse.
For those craving more action, Aussois and Val Cenis offer a wide range of winter activities. Try ski joëring behind a pony or donkey, ride a yooner for a fun snow adventure, or take things higher with paragliding. Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls is also available and, despite common misconceptions, suitable for beginners. To end the day on a magical note, families can enjoy a dog sledding excursion in Aussois.
Mercantour National Park, France’s Most Untamed
Parc National du Mercantour-Gendarmerie Nationale, Avenue Kellerman, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, France
Known as France’s most untamed national park, the Mercantour is where wolves famously returned in 1992. Located between Barcelonnette and Menton, the Mercantour National Park sits at the southern edge of the Alps, where mountain landscapes are shaped by subtle Mediterranean influences.
All year round, the park is a favorite spot for stargazing. Near Lake Allos, families can take part in evening sky observations led by a specialized guide. With no light pollution, the Milky Way and other celestial wonders come into clear view, in an activity offered in French or English and suitable for children from age eight.
The next day is all about winter adventure, with a snowshoe walk through the Cluite Forest. Led by guide Marc Aynié, participants of all ages learn how to identify animal tracks in the snow. For those eager to keep exploring, an igloo-building activity follows, open to children from age six. Once the shelter is complete, everyone gathers around to enjoy a well-earned hot chocolate.
Pyrenees National Park, Wild and Full of Character
Parc national des Pyrénées, France
From the vast limestone cliffs of Gavarnie Massif to the granite peaks of Cauterets, from the elegant volcanic silhouette of Pic du Midi d’Ossau to the hidden valleys of the Aspe Valley, the Pyrenees National Park is a land of striking contrasts.
Here, the Alpine chamois takes a back seat to the local star, the isard, its Pyrenean cousin. Family-friendly snowshoe hikes are organized in the Anéou Cirque, one of the most famous sites in the Ossau Valley, offering the chance to encounter this emblematic mountain dweller. It’s also an ideal setting for spotting birds of prey soaring above the peaks, including the short-toed eagle, the bearded vulture, and the golden eagle.
Thanks to its geographic location, the Pyrenees National Park has developed a culture all its own, shaped by a blend of influences and centuries of mountain life. From the village of Guchen, storyteller Maelle Benureau leads two-hour walks, on foot or snowshoes. As you walk, her stories bring to life the traditions, myths, and legends of the valleys and summits, offering an immersive journey into Pyrenean culture for both children and adults.
There is so much more than skiing...
Pyrenees
By Caroline Revol-Maurel
Journalist passionate about wild nature, travel and rock. As happy to write about bearded vultures as Lou Reed. Often accompanied by my two best critics, my daughters.
