The French Alps provide a number of diverse vacation activities for tourists. There are numerous museums, national parks and internationally renowned cities in the French Alps. For nature lovers, hiking trails and Via Ferrata offer a scenic getaway. It is an incredible vacation destination at any time of the year and supplies significant entertainment opportunities.
The pristine countryside of the French Alps provides an excellent setting for nature hikes. Many large lakes, waterfalls and pristine mountain streams dot the landscape, providing infinite photographic opportunities. Some of the easier treks start directly from hotels, including the hike to beautiful Lac du Lauzon which begins at the Refuge du Gioberney.
Via Ferrata is a type of rock climbing that is facilitated by the use of walkways, ladders and cables. These walkways have been developed in the French Alps and the Pyrenees for free public use. Via Ferrata destinations offer a wide range of routes for all skill levels that provide incredible views of impressive pristine landscapes.
The French Alps feature two national parks. Vanoise National Park, created in 1963, was the first national park established in France. It is well known as beautiful scenic region that includes five nature preserves. These nature preserves are so highly populated with Alpine Ibex, Chamois and other animals that hikers are sure to have the chance to catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife. Ecrins National Park includes over 150 mountain peaks and has been awarded the European Diploma of Protected Areas. Its glacier valleys, alpine meadows and woodlands attract thousands of tourists each year.
Many of the museums located in the French Alps celebrate the history of the region. These museums feature exhibitions about pastoral farming, agriculture and the pioneers of the area. One especially interesting gallery is the Musée Le Soum. The museum occupies a house built in 1641, the oldest in the area, where interpreters recreate peasant life of past eras. Here tourists can observe the creation of uniquely French wooden toys, games and furniture.
Several internationally renowned cities rest in the French Alps. Val d’Isere, located in the Tarentaise Valley, is one of the world’s premier ski resorts. The resort features some of the highest and best runs but also has paths for skiers of all levels. In 2009, Val d’Isere was the site of the International Ski Federation’s Alpine World Ski Championships. Evian-les-Bains is situated on the south side of Lake Geneva. It is known for its mineral springs, one of which is the source for Evian Natural Spring Water. Leslie at allpro
