Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso

Introducing Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso

The valleys making up Gran Paradiso are paradise found for travellers seeking unspoilt nature.

Gran Paradiso became Italy’s first national park in 1922 after Vittorio Emanuele II gave his hunting reserve to the state. By 1945 the ibex had been almost hunted to extinction and there were only 419 left in the park. Today, as the result of a conservation policy, almost 4000 live here.

The park incorporates the valleys around the Gran Paradiso (4061m), 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 Cogne (population 1474; elevation 1534m). This former iron-ore mining village can thank the narrow, winding road between here and Aosta, 24km away, for its tranquillity. Cogne is also known for its lace-making; you can buy its lace at the charming craft and antique shop, Le Marché Aux Puces (0165 74 96 66; Rue Grand Paradis 4; closed Wed).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009