National parks in France

National parks in France represent the ultimate protection for natural treasures the country. Distributed throughout the country and in the departments and regionsThese areas are dedicated to preserving biodiversity, educating the public and promoting sustainable development. In this article, we'll explore in depth what a national park is, the full list of national parks in France, the associated legislation and restrictions, the most emblematic parks, and the many activities and events on offer in these natural sanctuaries. Finally, we'll look at the differences between national parks and regional nature parks, for a better understanding of these two types of protected areas.

Find out more about regional nature parks in France, read our dedicated article here.

What is a National Park in France?

A national park in France is a protected area renowned for its rich biodiversity, exceptional landscapes and cultural heritage.. Created by decree, a national park is managed by a public establishment under the authority of the French Ministry of Ecological Transition. These parks are designed to protect remarkable ecosystems while allowing controlled, educational tourism.

National parks are distinguished by their dual vocation: a core zone where nature is strictly preserved, and an adhesion zone where human activities are restricted and must respect the park's charter.

List of all National Parks in France

France currently boasts 11 national parks, each with its own unique biodiversity and landscape features. Here is the complete list:

National Parks in France :

Vanoise National Park
Port-Cros National Park
Parc national des Pyrenees
Parc national des Cévennes
Ecrins National Park
Mercantour National Park
Guadeloupe National Park
Reunion National Park
French Guiana National Park (Amazonian Park of French Guiana)
Parc national des Calanques
Parc national des Forêts

These parks are spread across mainland France and the French overseas departments, offering an incredible diversity of natural environments, from alpine mountains to tropical forests.

Legislation and Restrictions in National Parks

France's national parks are subject to strict legislation designed to protect sensitive ecosystems. This legislation distinguishes two main zones within each park.

Cœur du Parc zone

Strict prohibitions In the core zone, human activities are severely restricted. Hunting, fishing, camping, gathering and motorized traffic are generally prohibited.
Maximum protection This zone is subject to maximum protection to preserve natural habitats and wildlife. Human intervention is kept to a minimum so as not to disturb the ecological balance.

Accession zone

Supervision of activities In this zone, human activities are authorized, but must respect the park's charter. Agriculture, tourism and construction must be carried out in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly manner.
Resident participation Local residents and stakeholders are involved in park management to promote economic development compatible with nature conservation.

France's best-known national parks

Some of France's national parks stand out for their international renown and the tourist numbers they generate thanks to their beauty and biodiversity.

Calanques National Park

Located near MarseilleThe Parc National des Calanques is famous for its spectacular cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean Sea. The park is a paradise for hikers, divers and seascape enthusiasts.

Pyrenees National Park

This park stretches across the Pyrenees mountains, offering landscapes high mountains, dense forests and remarkable wildlife, including protected species such as the isard and the brown bear.

Vanoise National Park

The Parc National de la Vanoise in the Alps was France's first national park. It is renowned for its unspoilt Alpine landscapes, glaciers and rich biodiversity.

Ecrins National Park

Also in the Alps, the Parc National des Écrins is famous for its 4000-meter peaks, glacial valleys and exceptional floral diversity.

Activities and Events in National Parks

France's national parks offer a wide range of activities and events for all ages and tastes, while respecting nature.

Hiking and trekking

The national parks are criss-crossed by signposted trails that allow you to discover the varied landscapes and observe the local flora and fauna. Multi-day treks are also available, such as the GR20 in Corsica, one of Europe's most challenging hiking trails.

Wildlife observation

Thanks to the strict protection of these areas, biodiversity is particularly rich. Wildlife-watching outings (e.g. ibex, golden eagle, dolphins) are organized, often accompanied by naturalist guides.

Sports activities

From many activities are available, including theclimbingcanyoning kayakor paragliding, always in compliance with current regulations.

Cultural and Educational Events

The national parks regularly organize events to raise public awareness of environmental protection: conferences, exhibitions, children's workshops and open-air film screenings.

Difference between National Parks and Regional Nature Parks

It's important to distinguish between national parks and regional nature parks, although both types of protected area share common nature conservation objectives.

Status and Management

National Parks These are strictly protected areas managed by the State, with strict regulations in core zones. The main objective is to preserve biodiversity with minimal human intervention.
Regional Nature Parks The parks are managed by local authorities with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of rural areas. The emphasis is on the harmonious cohabitation of human activities and nature.

Scope and Protection

National Parks : They generally cover smaller areas, but with stricter environmental protection.
Regional Nature Parks They cover larger territories where human activities are integrated into a sustainable management model, with less stringent protection than in national parks.

Conclusion

France's national parks are sanctuaries of biodiversity, offering spectacular scenery and unspoilt nature. By visiting these parks, you can not only admire the country's natural beauty, but also help protect the environment by respecting the regulations in place. Whether you're an avid hiker, wildlife lover or simply curious, the national parks offer an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

Find out more: the official website national parks in France.