9 Best National Parks In France

1. Cévennes National Park

Listed as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Cévennes National Park has an area of 794,147.3 acres (312,380 hectares), filled with natural biodiversity. It is brimming with beautiful fauna and flora and unspoiled waterbodies and wildlife. There are many places to check out on-site, including the Mont Aigoual Observatory, the caves of Dargilan and Aven Armand, the Cévennes ledge, as well as the Park House, which offers records about the Cévennes National Park. Also, there are a lot of hiking trails to better explore this place, including the renowned Stevenson Trail.

Cévennes National Park

Address: 6 B Place du Palais, 48400 Florac France

Website: Cévennes National Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

2. Vanoise National Park

The Vanoise National Park, which was created in 1963 to preserve ibexes, a wild mountain goat, was the first of its kind; and today, it also features over 1,000 species of flora and fauna. This 130965.9-acre (53,000-hectare) park is divided into two parts, both of which are worth checking out. If you are an enthusiastic skier or rambler, then you will be more interested in the centrally located Vanoise massif, featuring beautiful landscape, and around 100 hills. The other area features over 20 stunning villages, including the Tarentaise region, highlighting many luxurious ski resorts.

Vanoise National Park

Address: France

Website: Vanoise National Park

3. Mercantour National Park

Discover existing ancient mountain cultures, great lakes, over 2,000 species of flowers, and preserved wildlife when you visit Mercantour National Park. When you are here, first check out the Lac d'Allos - the largest glacial lake in Europe, and then focus on the beautiful landscape with myriads of flower species, including the lady’s slipper orchid. You will also find marmots, chamois, and much more living in their natural habitat. When you are done wandering the untamed diversity, learn about the old Montagnards’ traditions, from the more than 20,000 locals who still camp out with their cows, manually tend their hives, and shepherd their flocks on the hills. There is so much to discover in this burst of the natural.

Mercantour National Park

Address: 06006 Roubion France

Website: Mercantour National Park

4. Guiana Amazonian National Park

Guiana Amazonian National Park is the largest national park in France, and when combined with the neighboring park - the Brazilian National Park, they feature the world’s largest preserved area. It cradles two great rivers - the Maroni and Oyapock, as well as many tribes, including Téko Amerindians, Wayãpi, Apalaï, and more. This site, covering 40 percent of French Guiana, aims at preserving the Amazonian forest and holds over 700 bird species, more than 190 mammal species, a range of fresh-water fishes, about 2,000 species of flora and fauna, and even more. However, some of the regions in this area are difficult to access.

Guiana Amazonian National Park

Address: 1 rue Lederson, Remire-Montjoly, French Guiana

Website: Guiana Amazonian National Park

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu: 7:30am – 1pm, 2:30pm – 5pm; Wed, Fri: 7:30am – 1pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

5. Pyrénées National Park

Many of the natural wonders of Pyrénées National Park are not found anywhere else on the globe, and it’s also home to a variety of plant and animal species. It contains more than 230 lakes, mountain torrents, refreshing waterfalls, spread out over its 123552.7-acre (50,000-hectare) area. It was founded in 1967, and nowadays, it’s home to many species of birds of prey, over 6000 izards (chamois), flora, fauna, and much more. It is too diverse to explore, so you can choose from the many activity-focused tours; some are provided at the visitor’s area, highlighting photography, fishing, and hiking.

Pyrénées National Park

Address: 2 rue du 4 Septembre, 65000 Tarbes France

Website: Pyrénées National Park

6. Écrins National Park

The Écrins National Park is a haven for hikers, featuring about 459.8 mi (740 km) of well-marked tracks, cutting through the area’s mountainous regions. Within its 226,842.7-acre (91,800-hectare) space, you will find striking figures of wildlife species, such as marmots, squirrels, foxes, as well as other fauna and flora. It is at a high altitude of about 13,458 feet (4,102 meters), making it a perfect spot for experienced mountain climbers. Also, you can check out the information about the mountain in this park, as well as regular exhibitions in Maison du Parc in Le Bourg-d'Oisans, located in Isère.

Écrins National Park

Address: France

Website: Écrins National Park

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11:30am – 2pm, 7pm – 9:30pm; Mon: 7pm – 9:30pm

7. Port-Cros National Park

The Port-Cros National Park is Europe’s pioneer marine park, established in 1963 and covers 2,965.3 acres (1,200 hectares) of the sea and 1,729.7 acres (700 hectares) of dry land. The area is divided into four regions; the islet of Gabinière and Le Rascas rock and the island of Bagaud, are a part of Integral Reserves and therefore closed to the public. Whereas, Port-Cros and the islands of Porquerolles are accessible, and feature a beautiful green oak forest, stunning sandy beaches, cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and rocky coasts. Hiking well-marked tracks, this place, amidst its extensive plants and bird species, is the dream of every nature enthusiast. Bike riding, scuba diving, and snorkeling are also popular activities in this location.

Port-Cros National Park

Address: 83400 Hyères, France

Website: Port-Cros National Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Reunion National Park

The Reunion National Park is steeped in untamed beauty and is home to rare endangered birds and over 200 plant species. You will also find lots of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the 260,565.2-acre (105,447-hectare) national park such as Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Piton des Neiges peak, Cirque de Mafate, Cirque de Salazie, and the majestic cirques of Cilaos. Most of these sites are only accessible via walking trails, which makes hiking a prevalent activity in this region. Around 621.4 miles (1000 kilometers) of hiking tracks are there to help you explore some hidden wonders of the world.

Reunion National Park

Address: 258 Rue de la République, 97431, Réunion

Website: Reunion National Park

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am – 12:30pm, 1:30pm – 4:30pm (closed on Sun)

9. Calanques National Park (from USD 93.0)

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This national park is set in the center of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, and it’s known for its cultural heritage, important biodiversity, and heartwarming landscape. It features a sea section, covering 107,490.8 acres (43,500 hectares) and a land region, spread out into three areas - La Ciotat, Cassis, and Marseille, spanning 21,004 acres (8,500 hectares). This place contains at least 60 marine species and about 140 plant and animal species. There are lots of fun activities to do in this place, including paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, climbing, hiking, and soaking in the turquoise waters. Some of the cultural sites you can’t miss seeing while here include a 16-century fortification and the Château d'If.

Fat E-Bike Excursion to the Calanques National Park

Duration: 6 hours

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Restore your faith in humanity with a visit to these parks

Exploring these beautiful places is more than an opportunity to see endangered plant and animal species or cultural and historic sites. It’s a chance to remember that although we humans are a threat to our natural environments, there are places where we make substantial efforts to preserve them; these best national parks in France are proof of that.