France by Nicola Williams

Author:Nicola Williams
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Travel.Travel Guides
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Published: 2010-10-14T10:00:00+00:00

Local Weather Report ( 08 36 68 02 plus 2-digit département number; www.meteofrance.com)

Snow & Avalanche Report ( 08 36 68 10 20)

National & Regional Parks

Wildlife is carefully protected in two national parks (Vanoise and Écrins), although even in these, there are large zones in which industry and human habitation is allowed. That said, together with four regional parks – Queyras (on the Italian border south of Briançon), the Vercors (southwest of Grenoble), Chartreuse (north of the Vercors) and Massif des Bauges (north of the Chartreuse) – the Alps enjoy the greatest concentration of parks in France.

The Jura is home to the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Jura.

Dangers & Annoyances

Avalanches (opposite) pose a danger in snowbound areas. An accident in an isolated area can be fatal, so never ski, hike or climb alone. At high altitudes, where the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is much stronger than at sea level (and is intensified by reflection off the snow), wear sunglasses and put sunscreen on.

The air is dry in the Alps. Carry water when hiking, and drink more than you would at lower altitudes. Always bring extra layers too: the weather can turn very suddenly, and be aware of the possibility of hypothermia after a long climb or a sudden storm, as you’ll cool off quickly while enjoying the cold, windy panorama.

Litter on the slopes is nasty and annoying. Smokers can buy a cendrier de poche (pocket ashtray) from the local tourist offices to hang around their neck and stick butts in.

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