Complete Guide to Gran Paradiso Park in Italy: Hiking, Mountaineering and Wilderness

Why discover Gran Paradiso Park?

Gran Paradiso Park is Italy's oldest national park and one of the most spectacular in the Alps. Situated between Valle d'Aosta and Piedmont, it offers breathtaking scenery, with glaciers, deep valleys and alpine pastures stretching to the foot of the famous Gran Paradiso peak (4,061 m).

Whether you're a keen hiker, mountaineer or looking for the best campsite in the Parc du Grand Paradis, this comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to prepare for your adventure in the Parc National du Grand Paradis.

Where is the Parc du Grand Paradis?

Gran Paradiso Park is located in north-west Italy, on the border with France, between Valle d'Aosta and Piedmont.

Some key figures:

• Area: 71,000 hectares
• Highest point: Gran Paradiso (4,061 m)
• Main access points: Cogne, Valsavarenche, Noasca

The park borders France's Parc National de la Vanoise, making it one of the largest protected areas in the Alps.

When is the best time to visit Gran Paradiso Park?

• Summer (June - September): ideal for hiking and mountaineering.
• Autumn (September - November): magnificent scenery with autumn colours and fewer tourists.
• Winter (December - March): perfect for ski touring and snowshoeing.

Hiking in the Gran Paradiso Park

Gran Paradiso National Park is a popular destination for hikers, with trails to suit all levels, from walkers to experienced trekkers.

Must-do hikes in Gran Paradiso National Park

Rifugio Vittorio Sella (2,588 m)

• Start: Cogne
• Distance: 12 km (return)
• Difference in altitude: +900 m

Why this hike? Panoramic views of the Gran Paradiso glacier and the chance to spot ibex.

Lac de Loie (2,354 m)

• Start: Lillaz
• Distance: 8 km (return)
• Difference in altitude: +800 m

Why this hike? A high-altitude lake with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Itinerant hikes

If you're looking for a multi-day trek, the Tour du Grand Paradis (4-6 days) is a great option.

💡 At Wildhartt, we offer unforgettable itineraries to explore the Gran Paradiso Park by trekking. Find out more about our expeditions here.

Climbing Gran Paradiso: Cost and options

Climb Gran Paradiso without a guide

• Who's it for? Experienced mountaineers familiar with glacier climbing techniques.
• Difficulty: PD- (Difficult)
• Best route: start from Refuge Victor Emmanuel II or Refuge Chabod.
• Risks: crevasses, changing weather conditions and complex orientation.

Climbing Grand Paradis with a guide

If you want to reach your first 4000 m in complete safety, climbing with a guide is an ideal option.

• Price: between €600 and €800 per person, including supervision and equipment.
• Advantages:
  • Safety and professional supervision.
  • Explanation of alpine techniques.
  • No worries about orientation or technical preparation.

💡 Want to climb Gran Paradiso with an experienced guide? Wildhartt offers ascents in small groups with certified guides.

👉 Click here to find out more about our Gran Paradiso climbing programme.

Camping in the Gran Paradiso Park: where to sleep?

Camping in the Parc du Grand Paradis is a great option for immersing yourself in nature.

Official campsites in the Gran Paradiso Park:

Campsite Lo Stambecco (Valsavarenche)

• Direct access to hiking trails.
• Breathtaking views of the mountains.

Campsite Gran Paradiso (Cogne)

• Situated close to the main hiking trails.
• Perfect for families and nature lovers.

Is bivouacking permitted?

• No, bivouacking is not permitted in the Gran Paradiso National Park. You can only sleep in mountain huts or authorised campsites.

The emblematic fauna of the Parc du Grand Paradis

This park is a veritable sanctuary for alpine wildlife. What animals can you see?

• Ibex (symbol of the park)
• Chamois and marmots
• Golden eagles and bearded vultures
• Wolves and lynx (rarer)

💡 Best time to see the wildlife: early morning or late afternoon.

How do I get to Parc du Grand Paradis?

The park is easily accessible from France, Belgium and Switzerland.

By car:

• From Turin: 1h30 drive.
• From Milan: 2h30 drive.

By public transport:

• Train to Aosta, then bus to Cogne or Valsavarenche.

Why explore the Gran Paradiso Park with a guide?

A guide gives you a better understanding of the park's history, geology and wildlife, while guaranteeing maximum safety in the mountains.

Advantages of a guide in the Parc du Grand Paradis:

• Safety on challenging climbs and hikes.
• Discover the best routes and hidden spots.
• Explanation of the park's history and ecosystem.

💡 At Wildhartt, we offer you expeditions supervised by passionate local guides.

Gran Paradiso Park: your next nature destination?

Gran Paradiso Park is an ideal destination for hiking, mountaineering and wilderness enthusiasts. Between its breathtaking scenery, unspoilt wildlife and countless trails, this national park is one of the most beautiful jewels in the Alps.

👉 Ready to explore the Gran Paradiso Park? Discover our holidays and expeditions here!