The Best Natural Parks in France

Introduction

France boasts a diverse network of national and regional parks that showcase the country's stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. As of 2025, mainland France is home to ten national parks, covering over 26,000 square kilometres in core areas and over 30,000 square kilometres in buffer zones. These parks, managed by the French Office for Biodiversity, protect a variety of landscapes, from the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees to the limestone cliffs of the Calanques. The oldest national park, Vanoise, was established in 1963, while the newest addition, Forêts National Park, was created in 2019.

In addition to national parks, France features 58 regional nature parks (Parcs Naturels Régionaux) as of 2024, covering approximately 15% of the country's territory. These parks, which encompass over 7 million hectares and more than 4,200 communes, aim to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of inhabited rural areas whilst promoting sustainable economic development. Regional nature parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, from the forested mountains of the Vosges to the sun-drenched hills of Provence, all while supporting local communities and traditional ways of life.

In Central France

Massif Central

Volcanoes of Auvergne Regional Park ※

The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park offers visitors a unique geological experience with its 80 volcanoes spread across 395,000 hectares, making it the largest Regional Nature Park in mainland France. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features four distinct volcanic massifs—the Chaîne des Puys, the Monts Dore, the Cézallier, and the Monts Cantal—alongside the Artense granite plateau, creating a living open-air museum where ancient volcanic fires have given way to wild flower pastures, forests and brilliant greenery. Visitors can explore the iconic Puy de Dôme, where Romans built a temple to Mercury, or ascend Puy de Sancy, the highest point in the Massif Central at 1,885 metres. The park provides numerous hiking trails for all ability levels, offering breathtaking panoramic views, whilst attractions like Vulcania, the European volcanology park, provide interactive educational experiences about volcanic phenomena. Beyond its geological wonders, the park boasts exceptional biodiversity, peaceful lakes, historical sites such as Murol Castle, and the Romanesque churches of Orcival and Saint-Nectaire.

Monts d'Ardèche Regional Park

The Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park offers a remarkable blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Created in 2001 at the initiative of chestnut farmers, this UNESCO Geopark boasts over 50 extinct volcanoes, 4,000 kilometres of hiking trails, and 3,000 kilometres of rivers. Visitors can explore Mont Mézenc (the park's highest point at 1,753 metres), witness the source of the Loire River at Mont Gerbier de Jonc, and discover rich biodiversity including 2,800 plant species and diverse wildlife such as golden eagles and otters. Beyond natural attractions, the park preserves medieval castles, Romanesque churches, and traditional villages that reflect its thousand-year history. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities ranging from winter sports at Croix de Bauzon to summer kayaking on the Eyrieux or Chassezac rivers, while those seeking relaxation can visit one of three renowned thermal stations. The region's distinctive chestnut cultivation heritage is celebrated through dedicated museums and visitor centres.

Cévennes National Park ※

The Cévennes National Park offers a remarkable blend of natural splendour and rich cultural heritage. Boasting over 5,000 km of paths, including 300 one-day hikes with spectacular Mediterranean views from Mount Lozère and Mount Aigoual, the park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its diverse landscapes encompass granite highlands, majestic forests, limestone plateaus, and the dramatic Tarn and Jonte gorges. Wildlife abounds with deer, roe deer, vultures and rare flora, whilst the park's historical significance stems from its role as a refuge for persecuted Huguenots (French Protestants) and the site of the Camisard War in the early 18th century. Visitors can explore the famous Stevenson Trail, which follows the route taken by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1878, discover traditional architecture in tiny hamlets, and sample regional delicacies such as honey, charcuterie and Pélardon cheese. The park's commitment to preserving both natural environments and cultural heritage earned it UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve status.

Alps

Vanoise National Park

Vanoise National Park, established in 1963 as France's first national park, offers visitors a remarkable alpine experience. The park boasts breathtaking landscapes featuring over 100 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres, glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe iconic species such as ibex, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles in their natural habitat. With 600 kilometres of well-marked trails, the park caters to hikers of all abilities, from leisurely walks to challenging treks. The area's rich cultural heritage is evident in Neolithic rock carvings and medieval structures scattered throughout the park. Additionally, the park's peripheral zone includes traditional villages and renowned ski resorts, allowing visitors to experience both pristine nature and local mountain culture. The Vanoise National Park's commitment to conservation, coupled with its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities, makes it a compelling destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Les Ecrins National Park

Les Écrins National Park offers a spectacular alpine experience with over 100 mountain peaks exceeding 3,000 metres, including the towering Barre des Écrins at 4,102 metres. The park boasts an impressive network of 676 kilometres of trails winding through forests, alpine meadows and numerous glaciers, making it perfect for hikers, climbers and nature enthusiasts. With a rich history dating back to 1913 when it was first established as La Bérarde National Park, the area contains archaeological artefacts from the Bronze Age and showcases the heritage of agricultural-pastoral civilisation that flourished in these mountains. Visitors can explore diverse natural attractions including the Cirque du Lac des Estaris, Pics du Combeynot, various valleys (Saint-Pierre, Séveraisse, Béranger and Vénéon), and enjoy activities ranging from casual walks to challenging mountain treks. The park's seven distinct regions each offer unique landscapes, and helpful information centres provide guidance to make the most of your visit to this protected wilderness.

Vercors Regional Nature Park

The Vercors Regional Natural Park offers visitors a mesmerising blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and thrilling outdoor activities. This pristine landscape features dramatic limestone cliffs, deep gorges, lush forests, and meadows teeming with wildlife, including chamois, mouflon, deer, and Alpine ibex. The park boasts exceptional biodiversity with 85 protected plant species and 75 orchid species. Beyond its natural splendour, the Vercors holds significant historical importance as a bastion of the French Resistance during World War II, with numerous remembrance sites such as the Memorial of the Resistance and the Museum of the Resistance in Vassieux-en-Vercors. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy hiking along 4,000 km of marked trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving in thousands of underground cavities, and skiing at resorts like Villard-de-Lans in winter, whilst nature lovers can explore remarkable attractions including the Grotte de Choranche cave system and Mont Aiguille, the emblem of the region.

In Southern France

Mediterranean Coast

Camargue Regional Park

The Camargue Regional Nature Park offers visitors a unique wetland environment with exceptional biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Established in 1970, this protected area features salt marshes, ponds, lagoons and beaches where visitors can observe remarkable wildlife, including pink flamingos, Camargue bulls and the famous white horses that roam freely. The park boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with Roman influences and medieval development through abbeys that drained the marshes. Visitors can explore the park through various activities such as 4x4 safaris, horseback riding, cycling along the 20km sea dyke, or walking the landscaped paths of the Pont de Gau ornithological park to witness over 237 bird species in their natural habitat. The park also preserves the authentic cultural heritage of the region, including traditional bull and horse breeding, whilst balancing human development with nature conservation.

Calanques National Park

The Calanques National Park offers a unique natural wonder with its dramatic limestone formations, creating steep-walled inlets along the Mediterranean coast. These fjord-shaped coves, flanked by towering cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters, are home to an extraordinary biodiversity—boasting one of the highest concentrations of living species per square metre, second only to the Amazon rainforest. Visitors can explore 26 calanques of various sizes, with highlights including the spectacular Calanque d'En-vau, Calanque de Sugiton, Calanque de Morgiou and Calanque de Sormiou. Beyond natural splendour, the park preserves remarkable cultural heritage spanning from prehistoric times, evidenced by the 20,000-year-old cave paintings in the Cosquer cave, to medieval watchtowers and more recent industrial ruins. Activities abound, from hiking and swimming to kayaking and snorkelling, allowing visitors to experience both the terrestrial and underwater beauty of this protected area that has been carefully preserved since its official designation as a National Park in April 2012.

Haute Provence

Mercantour National Park

Mercantour National Park offers a spectacular blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that appeals to both adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore 1,700 km of hiking trails through diverse landscapes featuring 3,000-metre peaks, ferocious valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife including ibex, marmots, eagles, and wolves that returned after being hunted to extinction. The park boasts extraordinary biodiversity alongside centuries-old mountain culture, with traditional shepherds, beekeepers, and cheesemakers maintaining their way of life. History enthusiasts can discover the Vallée des Merveilles, home to approximately 37,000 Bronze Age petroglyphs and rock carvings dating back 3,000 years. Beyond hiking, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, whitewater rafting, climbing, and skiing across the park's varied terrain, making it an ideal destination for active holidays year-round.

Verdon Natural Regional Park

The Verdon Natural Regional Park, established on 3rd March 1997, offers visitors a remarkable blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. At its heart lies the spectacular Verdon Gorge, Europe's largest canyon, carved over centuries by the 165-kilometre Verdon River, creating dizzying cliffs and turquoise waters perfect for activities like kayaking, boating and hiking. The park boasts three impressive massifs—Montdenier, Chiran, and Mourre de Chanier—reaching heights of nearly 2,000 metres, alongside the golden and blue lavender fields of the Valensole plateau. History enthusiasts will appreciate the area's significance as one of prehistory's most important sites, with evidence of human habitation dating back 400,000 years, whilst the medieval perched villages offer glimpses into the region's past. The park is also renowned for its diverse wildlife, including reintroduced vulture species, and exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Visitors can explore this diverse landscape via scenic routes such as the panoramic Route des Crêtes with its 14 viewpoints or the historic Napoleon Road.