One Of Europe's Most Picturesque National Parks Is Perched In The Southern Alps Of France

The French Alps are home to some of Europe's most extraordinary landscapes. From the electric-blue snow caves of Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in France, the hills and mountains in the southeastern part of France are a playground for outdoor adventurers. The Southern Alps are also home to the largest national park in France, and one of the most picturesque in Europe, the Pays des Ecrins.

If you're looking for an incredible winter destination to add to your French bucket list, then Ecrins National Park should be a high priority. This awe-inspiring expanse of soaring peaks, plunging valleys, elegant wildflower meadows, and sparkling glaciers is an amazing place for adventurers to explore, with a vast network of hiking trails and several high-mountain refuges for the boldest to stay at. It's one of the most biodiverse regions in France, with a staggering array of wildlife, including some of Europe's rarest species, as well as a rich history and several charming towns and villages.

Most visitors to the Massif des Ecrins base themselves out of Grenoble or Gap, which lie to the north and south of it, respectively. Grenoble International Airport is the nearest transport hub, and is served by routes from the U.K., Poland, Lithuania, and Israel. Lyon International Airport is around an hour's drive from Grenoble, and is served by a wider variety of European air carriers as well as a route from Montreal, while Marseille Provence Airport is just under two hours' drive from Gap.

During winter, the Ecrins are blanketed in a thick layer of dazzling white snow and glittering ice, making this a staggeringly attractive destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The park boasts exceptional ski resorts, including Les Deux Alpes, Monetier-les-Bains, and Orcières-Merlette. These are known as "off-duty ski resorts," meaning there are loads of affordable, self-catering accommodation options, as well as plenty of lifts, making it a great alternative to the pricier spots like Val d'Isère, Val Thorens, and Courchevel. At Le Bourg d'Oisans, you can even try out the off-piste heaven that is La Grave, the largest off-piste ski region in the world accessible by lift.

For mountaineers and climbers, the Massif des Ecrins looms over the park, its highest summit a towering 13,458 feet. While not quite as high as Mont Blanc, it's arguably more dramatic, with dizzying peaks and sheer drops creating an incredible landscape. Head to the Haut-Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys for a chance to take on frozen waterfalls and jaw-dropping glaciers with guided ice climbing available all winter.

Not every activity in Ecrins National Park has to come with a side of adrenaline. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the stunning winter scenery without raising your blood pressure, and an amazing chance to appreciate the peace and tranquility of the mountains. There are several great snowshoeing routes, but the four-mile round trip in the Narreyroux Valley is a particular highlight thanks to its forested trails, friendly chamois, and petrified waterfall.

While Ecrins National Park is spectacular during winter, magnificent in all its icy glory, during summer it's alive with activity, a feast for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, hikers, bikers, and paragliders. Hiking the Ecrins during summer is a real treat, whether you prefer a gentle walk along undulating, waymarked trails or a multi-day through-hike in total seclusion, bedding down for the night in remote mountain huts.

It's these long-distance trails that really set the Ecrins apart from other national parks. The Haute Vallée de la Séveraisse offers some of the most challenging terrain, taking adventurers more than 9,000 feet above sea level and hitting snow-capped summits even during the summer months! Alternatively, hop between gorgeous glacial lakes on the staggeringly beautiful Tour des Ecrins, a 110-mile circular loop that's widely recognized as one of the best long-distance hikes in Europe. While winter makes it a feat that only veteran mountaineers should attempt, in summer, you can tackle the Tour as a normal through-hike without special skills or equipment, in under two weeks.

If you're looking for an extra dose of adrenaline, there are plenty of more exciting activities for risk-takers in this amazing wilderness. The Champsaur Valley is an outstanding spot for paragliding, giving you the chance to soar over ravines and ski resorts, with the rugged mountain peaks of Orcières, Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, and Ancelle in the background. It's also a fantastic destination for backcountry mountain biking, and a day in the saddle combines picturesque villages, long, draining ascents, and death-defying downhill tracks, with something for every kind of cyclist.