Ecrins National Park (05)
A vast playground with 750 km of trails and 150 peaks over 3000 m, the Ecrins massif offers spectacular nature tempered by deep valleys and vast expanses of mountain pastures. In the Champsaur valley, one of the last preserved groves in Europe, we stop in the small, unspoiled hamlet of Prapic. In summer, the slopes are illuminated with rhododendrons and orange lilies. It is not uncommon to see chamois, deer, fox and groundhogs.
Stay. La Jabiore farmhouse. Night 18 € / pers. in the stopover gîte, € 52 in a guest room. Phone. : 04 92 55 75 10.
Info: rando.ecrins-parcnational.fr
The Chaîne des Puys (63)
Summits, craters, forests … The Chaîne des Puys offers a striking backdrop along its 45 km, in the Auvergne Volcanoes Natural Park. We discover it along the many walking routes, such as the Impluvium trail in Volvic, which opens onto many belvederes: the Gergovie plateau, the Forez mountains … With an accompanying guide, we learn about the geology of this area. territory, where the Volvic stone filters water from volcanic sources.
Stay. In Volvic. Ecolodge Organic Resort. Double room from 90 €. volvic-organic.fr
Infos: terravolcana.com
Vanoise National Park (73)
Between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, the Vanoise National Park offers a wild nature of 147,500 ha! Near Pralognan-la-Vanoise, in the Chavière valley, we are witnessing the manufacture of a wheel of Beaufort, prepared over a wood fire with milk from tarine and abundance cows (guides-pralognan.com). The walkers will extend the hike to the belvedere of the Col de Chavière, or will embark on the tour of the Vanoise glaciers in roaming, a classic of the region.
Stay. Hotel de la Vanoise. "Cocooning" spirit, ch. dble from 80 €, hoteldelavanoise.fr
The Isertan Park. Tipis, dacha chalets, trapper tents … from 190 € for 4 people, camping-isertan.com
Info: vanoise-parcnational.fr
Néouvielle Nature Reserve (65)
The Hautes-Pyrénées department has the largest number of classified natural sites in the Pyrenees. In the Campan valley, the Néouvielle nature reserve, a landscape of massifs and granite ridges, is teeming with routes around the many lakes. In 45 minutes, taking a wide, easy track, you arrive at Lake Oule, where you can savor some regional specialties at the refuge, then continue to Lake Bastan (1h45).
Stay. Soulan's farm. 18th century Bigourdane farm. Double room from 105 €, fermedesoulan.fr
Info: saintlary.com
Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy)
Carved out by glaciers and torrents, the Grand-Paradis national park offers countless beautiful walks. In the Val de Cogne, we discover Valnontey, a hamlet of houses with stone walls and lauze roofs. In the morning, at first light, we come across ibex, chamois and marmots. And we walk through the Paradisia alpine botanical garden, which is home to more than 1,000 species of alpine flora. Experienced walkers can venture to the Gran Paradiso glacier.
Stay. In Cogne. Bellevue hotel, privileged view facing the glacier. Double room from € 220, hotelbellevue.it
Info: www.lovevda.it/fr
The Jura Mountains (39)
The lakes of Chalain, Vouglans or Clairvaux-les-Lacs call swimmers to their translucent waters. At the heart of this region, the "Hedgehog" has its source at Saut Girard. This torrent, formed from the waters of the Bonlieu and Ilay lakes, offers no less than 31 jumps and 7 waterfalls and forms the largest set of waterfalls in France. Nearby, beautiful equestrian or hiking trips on the site of the 4 lakes will leave you a little taste of paradise (ecuriedes4lacs.com).
Stay. In Bonlieu. The Hedgehog cabins. Large perched huts and cottages, from 245 € / night with breakfast. cabanes-du-herisson.com
Info: jura-tourism.com
Read also :
⋙ Zoom on the highest peaks in France: Pic du Midi, Aiguille Verte …
⋙ Discover the mountains in summer
⋙ Our holiday ideas for a great summer in the mountains