Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso
Aosta, Italy
The name of Italy’s oldest national park doesn’t oversell, as the century-old reserve—which once served as Savoy royal hunting grounds—spans a vast stretch of protected Alpine peaks and valleys. Named for the 13,000-foot (4,000-meter) Gran Paradiso mountain, the park is thick with rare wildlife (including the endangered ibex), pristine forests and meadows, and scenic trails and mountain roads to take it all in.
The basics
The Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso (or Gran Paradiso National Park), is a mecca for lovers of outdoor adventure. Join a hiking excursion or set off with a bike tour along the 300-mile (500-kilometer) network of paths through the five valleys inside the park. There are also spectacular rock-climbing routes and downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter for adventure-seekers. Alternatively, book a driving tour to marvel at the park’s towering peaks and valleys, including Valle Soana, Valle Orco, Valle di Cogne, Valle di Rhêmes, and Valsavarenche.
Things to know before you go
There are four main visitor centers—one each in the towns of Cogne and Rhêmes-Notre-Dame and two in Valsavarenche—plus a handful of small info points in the park’s larger villages. Stop at the centers for information and maps, along with exhibits highlighting the park’s history and ecosystem.
With hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, there is a route for every age and ability, including several routes to explore the park by wheelchair.
Hotels, restaurants, and other services are all located within the park.
How to get there
The Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso straddles the regions of Piedmont and Val d’Aosta, and can be reached from either side by car or public bus; buses connect with train stations in the towns of Aosta, Rivarolo, and Pont. You can also reach the park with a driving tour from Turin or Milan.
When to get there
With mountain peaks, wooded valleys, and picturesque villages, the park is a year-round destination. Hikers, cyclists, and climbers can explore the trails and rock faces from late spring to early fall, while winter-sports enthusiasts flock to the slopes from late fall to early spring.
Day hikes from Cogne
You could spend weeks in this 170,000-acre (70,000-hectare) national park and still not cover all the trails. If time is limited, focus on a few of the panoramic yet accessible routes from the pretty town of Cogne, known for its local lacemaking tradition. Scenic trail 23 (1.8 miles or almost 3 kilometers) is an easy path that leads from Cogne to the village and waterfalls of Lillaz. Another option is taking trails 22 and 23 on a slightly more challenging circular 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) route from Cogne to the village of Valnontey and back.
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