“The majestic Parc des Écrins, a natural paradise” is the title of an Arte documentary highlighting each wonder of this exceptional biological wealth.
"Majestic", "heaven", "wonder", "exceptional" … Do you think we’re exaggerating a bit on adjectives? Take a little tour of the Écrins National Park and we’ll talk about it again.
Eleven National Parks have been created so that nature is the mistress of the placeThe presence of man has no other purpose than to preserve or appreciate his wealth.
So, the national park ranger studies it and acts for its protection. The mountain hut keeper privileges it in its activity, observes it and participates in its protection as well as our security. And we, simple hikers, we pay homage to him by opening our eyes wide, watching for the appearance of an animal, smiling in the face of so much magic...
Regulations in the heart of the Ecrins National Park
The heart of the Écrins National Park is a natural territory, open to all, it is also subject to regulations that you need to know to prepare your stay.
It is a protected area whose the territory is divided between a "core" and an "adhesion area".
The heart is subject to specific regulations to meet its missions of protection and management of the conservatory, unlike the adhesion area.
The latter is made up of municipalities that have chosen to adhere to a charter. This is a 15-year territorial project focused on the economic enhancement of heritage and sustainable development. This is based in particular on agriculture and tourism. This charter ensures consistency and "ecological solidarity" between these two zones with distinct status.
Hiker advice and regulations
Here is some advice from the Écrins National Park rangers that you may come across along the way.
Extract from the regulations of the Écrins National Park
- No dogs, even on a leash : to preserve the peace and quiet of wild and domestic animals. Exceptions concern working dogs (avalanche dogs, herding and livestock protection dogs, guide dogs) in the context of their activity.
- No picking, no taking : animals, plants, minerals and fossils belong to the landscape.
- Traditional activities continue : grazing, mowing meadows, picking some plants and fruits for family use.
- No hunting : here all animals are protected.
- No waste : to keep nature clean. Take the rubbish back down to the valley which is equipped to treat or recycle it.
- No fire: to prevent fires and soil damage.
- No noise, no disturbance : for everyone's peace of mind.
- No camping : to preserve the beauty of the sites. Bivouacs are permitted from 19 p.m. to 9 a.m. more than 1 hour's walk from road access and the park boundaries.
- No vehicle : this area can be explored on foot, traffic is prohibited outside of authorized routes.
- No mountain bike : this area can be explored on foot, except in special cases indicated on site.
- Flight regulations: Free flight and gliding are subject to specific regulations.
- No motorized flyover, including drones: it is prohibited less than 1 m from the ground.
- No boating (leisure and water sports activities): to protect the lakes from the introduction of species and ensure the tranquility of the area.
- Do not cut the laces of the trails : do not leave the trails for the peace of mind of wildlife and, very importantly, do not cut the bends to avoid degradation and erosion of the soil.