Are you looking for an adventure from the towering peaks of the French Alps to the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean? Take a look at France’s Best Regions and National Parks!
With breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for walking, biking, and other outdoor activities, these parks have something for everyone.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you on a journey through some of France’s most stunning natural landscapes – so grab your backpack and get ready to explore!
An introduction to France’s best regions and national parks
France has some of the most varied and breathtaking landscapes in Europe.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean, there’s a national park to suit everyone.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the regions and national parks of France so you can start planning your next adventure.
Eight regions of France have their own regional park: Alsace, Aquitaine, Auvergne, Brittany, Corsica, Languedoc-Roussillon, Pyrénées-Méridionale and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Each region has its own unique character and natural beauty.
For example, the Vercors Regional Nature Park in southeastern France is ideal for hiking and mountain biking, while the Briere Regional Nature Park in western France is ideal for birdwatching. And kayaking.
In addition to regional parks, France has several national parks. This includes world-famous destinations such as Ecrins National Park and Mercantour National Park.
Whether you’re looking for an active getaway or a relaxing getaway, there’s sure to be a national park for you.
So what are you waiting for? Go out and discover all that France has to offer!
Calanques National Park
France has some of the most varied and breathtaking landscapes in Europe. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean, there is something for everyone.
What better way to discover what France has to offer than spending time in one of the many national or regional parks?
The Calanques National Park is one of the most popular parks in France, and for good reason.
It is a short drive from Marseille and offers visitors breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as plenty of walking, swimming and climbing opportunities.
There are also many small villages in the park where you can sample traditional Provençal food and wine.
Ecrins National Park
Ecrins National Park Located in southeastern France, this is one of the largest and most popular national parks in the country.
The park covers an area of over 200,000 hectares, with varied landscapes such as alpine meadows, forests, lakes and mountains.
One of the best ways to discover the Écrins National Park is on foot, with a network of over 1,000 kilometers of trails to explore.
Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, there’s a trail for you.
If you really want to get away from it all, why not consider spending a night or two at one of the park’s many mountain lodges?
Ardèche Regional Nature Park
The Ardèche Regional Nature Park is located in the southeast of France, between the Rhône and the Central Highlands.
The park covers an area of approximately 544,000 hectares, populated by a variety of animals and plants.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Ardèche Regional Nature Park offers its visitors many activities, such as hiking, cycling, canoeing and horse riding.
The Gardens of Versailles
The Gardens of Versailles are one of the most emblematic gardens in France.
Designed by André Le Nôtre in 1661, the gardens are filled with fountains, sculptures and manicured hedges. The park is open to the outside world and is a popular place for tourists to visit.
Regional Natural Park of the Côte d’Azur
The Regional Natural Park of the Côte d’Azur is located in the southeast of France and includes the area between Nice and Menton.
The park covers an area of approximately 130 square kilometers and is one of the most visited parks in France.
The Regional Natural Park of the Côte d’Azur offers its visitors a multitude of activities and attractions.
There are several hiking trails of varying difficulty, and there’s plenty to choose from here for experienced hikers and those just starting out.
Additionally, the park is home to many species of protected flora and fauna, making it an ideal place for nature lovers to explore.
Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or enjoy a moment in nature, the Regional Natural Park of the Côte d’Azur is really worth the detour.
Pic du Midi d’Ossau Regional Nature Park
The Pic du Midi d’Ossau Regional Nature Park is one of France’s most popular national parks, located in the Pyrenees. The park is home to a variety of fauna, including rare species such as the Pyrenean Sander.
Visitors can hike, mountain bike, and horseback ride the park’s many trails.
Loire Valley Natural Parks
Home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in France, the Loire Valley is the ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
There are several national and regional parks in the region, each with its own unique offerings.
The Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat is one of the largest regional parks in France, covering more than 150,000 hectares.
Located between the Rhône and the Loire, the park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, its diverse fauna and its many walking and cycling routes.
For something a little smaller, the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan in Burgundy covers just under 90,000 hectares.
The park is perfect for those who prefer to explore on foot or by bike, as there are over 1,000 kilometers of marked trails to explore.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, pigs, and many species of birds.
Those looking for a beach holiday will find what they are looking for at the Côte Fleurie and Marais d’Yves National Park.
This national park stretches along the Normandy coast from Trouville-sur-Mer to Honfleur and includes beaches, marshes, cliffs and dunes.
Visitors can swim, sunbathe, hike, bird watch and more.
Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park is one of France’s most popular national parks, and for good reason. The park covers a large part of the Pyrenees which form the border between France and Spain.
The scenery is simply stunning, with towering peaks, pristine forests and crystal-clear rivers.
There are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained, such as hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, and even skiing in the winter.
Parc Naturel Régional Normandie Maine
The Parc Naturel Régional Normandie Maine is located in Normandy, France, covering an area of 1280 hectares.
Created in 1974, it is one of the oldest regional parks in France. There are forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers and other landscapes in the park.
The park is a wildlife paradise with over 100 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, 10 species of reptiles and 5 species of amphibians. The park is also home to a variety of flora, including trees, shrubs, and flowers.
The Normandie Maine Regional Natural Park is an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors and discover the beauty of nature.
There are numerous hiking trails throughout the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The park also has a campground, open from April to October.
