Regional nature parks in France

Regional nature parks in France are ecological jewels offering unique natural and cultural riches. These protected areas play an essential role in preserving biodiversity while promoting sustainable regional development. In this article, we will explore in detail what a regional nature park is, the full list of parks in the departments and regions of the country, legislation and restrictions in force, as well as activities and events to discover in these exceptional areas.

Find out more about France's national parks, read our dedicated article here.

What is a Regional Nature Park in France?

A regional nature park (PNR) in France is uan area classified and protected for its landscape, natural and cultural heritage. Created to preserve the environment while enabling local populations to live and work in harmony with nature, a PNR extends over several communes and a vast territory. These parks are designed to promote sustainable development while protecting sensitive ecosystems.

List of all Regional Nature Parks in France

France has 58 regional nature parkseach with its own characteristics and features. Here is a complete list:

Regional Nature Parks in France :

Armorique Regional Nature Park
Aubrac Regional Nature Park
Parc naturel régional d'Azur and Vergers du Val de Loire
Brenne Regional Nature Park
Camargue Regional Nature Park
Chartreuse Regional Nature Park
Corsica Regional Nature Park
Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park
Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park
Martinique Regional Nature Park
Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park
Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Nature Park
Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park
Lorraine Regional Nature Park
Millevaches en Limousin Regional Nature Park
Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park
Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park
Tourbière des Dauges Regional Nature Park
Durance Valley Regional Nature Park
Marne Valley Regional Nature Park
Saar Valley Regional Nature Park
Lorraine Regional Nature Park
Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park
Guiana Regional Nature Park
Chartreuse Regional Nature Park
Alpilles Regional Nature Park
Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park
Baronnies provençales regional nature park
Boucles de la Seine Normande Regional Nature Park
Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Nature Park
Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park
Grands Causses Regional Nature Park
Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park
Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Nature Park
Millevaches en Limousin Regional Nature Park
Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park
Monts de Corse Regional Nature Park
Préalpes d'Azur Regional Nature Park
Ariege Pyrenees Regional Nature Park
Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park
South Pyrenees Regional Nature Park
Pyrénées Orientales Regional Nature Park
Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park
French Gâtinais Regional Nature Park
Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park
Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park
Haut-Pays Bigouden Regional Nature Park
Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park
Luberon Regional Nature Park
Parc naturel régional du Poitevin marshes
Morvan Regional Nature Park
Perche Regional Nature Park
Parc naturel régional du Pilat
Queyras Regional Nature Park
Verdon Regional Nature Park
French Vexin Regional Nature Park

These parks cover a vast area of France, each unique in terms of biodiversity and landscape.

Legislation and restrictions in Regional Nature Parks

Regional nature parks are governed by specific legislation designed to protect natural areas while enabling sustainable development. This legislation includes :

The Park Charter

Each NRP is governed by a charter that sets out the park's protection and development objectives for a 12-year period. This charter is adopted by the local authorities and must be respected by all park inhabitants and visitors.

Environmental restrictions

Prohibition of certain industrial activities : In order to protect biodiversity, certain environmentally damaging activities, such as mining and heavy infrastructure construction, are strictly regulated.
Protecting species and habitats Hunting, fishing and farming are authorized, but must respect strict rules to avoid damaging the balance of ecosystems.

Regional planning

Construction and development in NRPs must blend harmoniously into the landscape. Restrictions also apply to urban development to preserve the natural character of the area.

Les Maisons du Parc: Definition and Role

The park houses are structures dedicated to welcoming visitors and promoting the regional nature park. They play a central role in raising public awareness and disseminating information about the park.

Park home functions

Information center To provide information on hiking routes, flora and fauna, and rules to be observed in the park.
Environmental education Organize workshops and exhibitions to raise public awareness of environmental protection.
Local produce showcase Promote the park's artisanal and gastronomic products, thus encouraging the local economy.

France's best-known Regional Nature Parks

Some of France's NRPs are particularly renowned for their natural beauty and ecological importance.

Verdon Regional Nature Park

Known for its spectacular gorges and turquoise lakes, the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon is a popular destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Camargue Regional Nature Park

Located in the Rhône delta Camargue is famous for its salt marshes, pink flamingos and wild horses.

Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrenees Ariegeoise

With its majestic mountains and exceptional biodiversity, this park is a paradise for hikers and wildlife lovers.

Alpilles Regional Nature Park

The Alpilles offer breathtaking scenery, combining limestone mountains, olive groves and picturesque villages. The park is a model of harmony between nature and culture.

Activities and Events in the Regional Nature Parks

France's regional nature parks offer a variety of activities and events to suit all tastes, from nature and culture to gastronomy.

Hiking and walking

The NRP offers a wide range of hiking trails, suitable for all levels. Themed walks, such as botanical or geological trails, allow you to discover the richness of our natural heritage.

Wildlife observation

The parks are ideal places to observe rare and protected species in their natural habitat. Guided excursions are often organized to learn more about local biodiversity.

Cultural Events

Festivals, open-air art exhibitions and concerts are regularly organized in the NRP, highlighting local cultural heritage and traditions.

Gastronomy and Local Products

Farmers' markets, gastronomic festivals and cooking workshops enable visitors to discover and taste regional specialities.

Federation of French Regional Nature Parks

Description

Visit Federation of French Regional Nature Parks is an association under the French law of 1901 that brings together all 58 regional nature parks in France and overseas. Created in 1970, it plays an essential role in coordinating, promoting and developing the Parks network.

Roles and missions

The Federation's main missions are multiple and aim to :

Represent and defend the interests regional nature parks with public authorities, local authorities and partners.
Coordinating actions by encouraging exchanges, joint projects and the pooling of resources.
Managing the network organizing meetings, training courses and seminars for park professionals.
Promoting the Regional Nature Park model with the general public, elected representatives and economic players.
Raising awareness of nature conservation and regional development.
Supporting initiatives Parks in sustainable development, organic farming, responsible tourism and management of natural areas.

Concrete actions

To carry out its missions, the Federation implements numerous actions, in particular :

Production of tools and resources (guides, studies, maps) for Parks and the general public.
Communication on the challenges of nature protection and land development.
Lobbying with public authorities to defend the interests of the Parks and promote nature-friendly policies.
Event organization (conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions) to promote exchanges and networking.
Developing European projects in collaboration with other nature park networks.

Regional nature parks in France - FAQs

What are the criteria for an area to become a regional nature park in France?
A territory must have an exceptional natural and cultural heritage, requiring protection and enhancement, while being inhabited and exploited in a sustainable manner.

How many regional nature parks are there in France?
There are currently 58 regional nature parks in France, covering around 15 % of French territory.

What's the difference between a national park and a regional nature park?
A national park is a strictly protected area where human activities are very limited, while a regional nature park allows human activities and nature to coexist in harmony.

Can we build in a regional nature park?
Construction is permitted, but must comply with town planning regulations and blend harmoniously into the landscape.

What role do local residents play in the management of a regional nature park?
Local residents are key players in implementing the park's charter, helping to protect the environment while developing sustainable activities.

What activities are prohibited in regional nature parks?
Activities that harm the environment, such as certain polluting industries or mining, are prohibited. Hunting, fishing and farming are regulated to protect biodiversity.

Conclusion

France's regional nature parks are exceptional areas where nature and man coexist in harmony. By protecting biodiversity while promoting sustainable development, these parks are models of natural resource conservation and management. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a culture buff or simply curious, the PNR offer a multitude of possibilities for reconnecting with nature and discovering the treasures of France's heritage.