Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Parco Nazionale
del Gran Paradiso
Italy's oldest national park is also one of its most diverse - and aptly named. Gran
Paradiso, formed in 1922 after Vittorio Emanuele II gave his hunting reserve to the state
(ostensibly to protect the endangered ibex), is a veritable 'grand paradise'. What makes it
special is a tangible wilderness feel (rare in Italy). The park's early establishment pre-
ceded the rise of the modern ski resort; as a result, the area has (so far) resisted the lucrat-
ive lure of the tourist trade with all its chairlifts, dodgy architecture and après-ski clubs.
Gran Paradiso incorporates the valleys around the eponymous 4061m peak, three of
which are in the Valle d'Aosta: the Valsavarenche, Val di Rhêmes and the beautiful Valle
di Cogne. On the Piedmont side of the mountain, the park includes the valleys of Soana
and Orco.
The main stepping stone into the park is tranquil
Cogne
, a refreshing antidote to overde-
veloped Breuil-Cervinia on the opposite side of the Valle d'Aosta. Aside from its plethora
of outdoor opportunities, Cogne is known for its lace-making; you can buy the local fab-
rics at a charming craft and antique shop,
Le Marché Aux Puces
(Rue Grand Paradis 4;
closed
Wed)
.
Sights
Giardino Alpino Paradisia
(adult/reduced €3/1.50; 10am-5.30pm Jun-mid-Sep, to 6.30pm Jul & Aug)
The park's amazing
biodiversity, including butterflies and Alpine flora, can be seen here in summer, in the tiny
hamlet of Valnontey, 3km south of Cogne. Guided nature walks from July to September
are organised by the
Associazione Guide della Natura
(
www.guidenaturacogne.net
; Piazza Chanoux
36;
GARDEN
9am-noon Mon, Wed & Sat)
.
Activities
Gran Paradiso is one of Italy's best walking areas, with over 700km of trails linked by a
network of
rifugi
. The tourist office has free winter and summer trail maps.
Skiing
