A hike in the Vanoise National Park

The first national park to be created in France, this little mountain jewel has a protected heart covering more than 500 square kilometres in Savoie, and welcomes skiers and hikers depending on the season. The area is rich in relief, with a multitude of peaks over 3,000 metres, dozens of lakes and a high density of glaciers.

The Vanoise National Park is well known for its rich flora and fauna. Originally created to preserve the few ibex on the verge of extinction, the park is now a haven for many species. Golden eagles, roe deer, chamois, foxes, eagle owls and hundreds of other specimens inhabit this vast area.

The flora is no less diverse, with almost 1,700 species recorded in the park. Piedmont Primrose, Alpine Androsacea and even Blue Thistle coexist in the park's wet, dry and high-altitude terrain.

Starting from the Rosuel refuge, the loop that passes the La Plagne lake is almost 15 kilometres long. Quite difficult, it is not necessarily advisable for novice hikers to embark on this route. The path is fairly steep, with a positive gradient of almost 700 metres, but the splendour of the area will erase all traces of the effort you have put in. There are many points of interest and pretty views as the kilometres go by, but it's halfway along that the lake comes into view.

Take time out for a picnic break around the lake at mid-day of this five-hour hike, to feast your eyes. There are numerous waterfalls along the way, particularly those at Les Sétives. Even more impressive in spring, when the snow melts, this natural background noise harmonises perfectly with the expressions of the wildlife.

Every year, many experienced hikers set out to conquer Mont Pourri. Accompanied by a guide, climbing this vertical wall culminating at almost 3,800 metres is a real challenge for those used to long, difficult hikes. Making the round trip over several days or climbing to the summit of this mountain, with its unusual name, is not to be taken lightly!

In the national parks, visitors generally have two options: the adventure of bivouacking or the comfort of the refuges. Some parks don't allow you to pitch your tent in the middle of a protected reserve, while others control it, such as the Vanoise.

Bivouacs are permitted between 7pm and 8am from 1 June to 30 September, but are subject to a few other rules. Bivouacs must be set up close to the refuges, in designated areas, to protect nature from human impact as far as possible. There are 23 refuges throughout the park, so it's easy to find one along your route. A fee of €5 is payable to set up camp and access some of the hut's services, while enjoying an adventure with a capital A!

To make the most of these refuges, make yourself at home! The twenty or so dwellings can accommodate beginners and experienced hikers alike, for a stopover in the fresh air. Easily reached via the park's signposted footpaths, the warm, friendly, participatory spirit that reigns here is timeless.

On the shores of Lac de La Plagne, the Entre Le Lac refuge can accommodate up to 40 adventurers, in a recharging setting, at the rhythm of the animals. Expert hikers exploring Mont Pourri can be pampered on a half-board basis at the Mont Pourri refuge, which accommodates a maximum of 55.