Puy Saint
Vincent
Pelvoux-Vallouise
ÉCRINS NATIONAL PARK
A temporary exhibition area is regularly updated. The facilities are completed by an audiovisual room where screenings and conferences can be held.
Vallouise Maison du Parc, a summary of the Pays des Écrins area
The Maison du Parc national des Écrins for the Vallouise sector is an exceptional building and is representative of an architectural period of the 20th century. The glass and reinforced concrete building was inaugurated in 1977 and is unique in the Hautes-Alpes.
The renovation was inaugurated in 2014 and respects a building that is an emblem of its time, while moving towards new, more modern standards and requirements in terms of receiving the public and exemplary energy performance.
Visitors to the Maison du Parc can visit a permanent exhibition to learn more about the territory and its history. The exhibition is entertaining and interactive and engages the senses using photographs, drawings, videos, bell sounds, ‘odorama’, tactile models, optical theatre… Different media to help understand all that makes up the territory.
It offers a journey in the heart of the Pays des Écrins from the Durance Valley to the highest summits of the massif. It covers the main environments: the hot, dry areas along the Durance, the forests, pastures and glaciers. Each stop provides more information on the geology, fauna, flora, human activities and the work of the National Park.
A ‘timeline’, illustrated with archaeological objects, photos and engravings helps to put the physical, climatological and biological changes and human presence in perspective.
Finally, the facilities are completed by an audiovisual room where projections and conferences can be organised and a reading area where everyone, children and adults, can refer to the publications provided by the Park, or take part in a game.
The exhibition is aimed at children, but it will appeal to all ages! It is also accessible to people with disabilities. The visit continues outside, along the discovery trail, which follows a circuit between the village of Vallouise and the Maison du Parc.
Many activities are organised (children’s workshops, projections, conferences, etc.). They are listed in the Park and the Tourist Office activities programme.
Internet links:
- Park website: http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/
- Maison du Parc Facebook page: http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/8924/maison-du-parc/maison-du-parc-de-la-vallouise
- Park activity programme: http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/programme-animation
