The Park Visitors' Centre in Vallouise

The Vallouise Park Visitor's Centre is a veritable information centre with exhibitions and activities but also a place to meet up and discover the world of natural history.

Tel : +33 4 92 23 32 31 - Fax : +33 4 92 23 58 05

E-mail : ecrins.vallouise@espaces-naturels.fr

Website : http://www.les-ecrins-parc-national.fr

In winter the National Park is a land of contrasts with the frozen waterfalls on the north-facing Fournel slopes, the sunny, south-facing slopes at Freissinières and the vast whiteness of the Barre des Ecrins in the distance.

Although the heart of the park is generally the domain of the confirmed mountaineer in winter, it is omnipresent as a backdrop, for the pleasure of all.

In this untouched landscape, where no man has left his mark,silence can be felt even more keenly in winter than in the other seasons. It is important to preserve this rare quality and these unspoiled areas.

WINTER WARNING FRAGILE !

As the warm days come to an end, some animals, such as swallows, leave while others, such as marmots, fall asleep. But many have to put up with the cold, wind and lack of food.

They change their coats or feathers, bury down, like the grouse, or hide. They all have to save the maximum of their energy in order to survive winter

For example, the grouse feeds on a meagre diet for no longer than 2 hours per day to keep movements to a minimum.

So be careful and follow Samivel's advice :

« Birds, marmots, stoats, chamois, ibex and all small fur and feathered creatures need your friendship to survive. Leave shy animals in peace. Do not disturb them, and long may your children enjoy future springs ».

In the Pays des Ecrins, the National Park is synonymous with diversity.

Here, natural wonders abound and what a contrast between the sunny Mediterranean slopes of the Vignettes and the Barre des Ecrins; between the spectacular blue thistle and the shy rock jasmine; between the brown long-eared bat and the golden eagle.

It was above all this diversity which led to the creation of the Ecrins National Park in 1973, to protect it and enhance the environment.

No dogs : even on a lead, for the well-being of wild and domesticated animals

Don't pick flowers or take animals, plants, minerals or fossils - they belong in the wild

No hunting : all animals are protected here

No rubbish : keep the environment clean

No fire : avoid the risk of fires and damage to the land

No noise or disturbance : for the well-being of all

No camping : to preserve the beauty of the site and avoid pollution

No vehicles : explore this area on foot only - traffic is not permitted outwith authorised roads

No mountain bikes : explore this area on foot only

No aircraft : aircraft allowed over 1000 m above ground level only