Most of foreign tourists come to France to discover its history, art, architecture, fashion, food and wine obviously ! but did you know that France is also a real paradise for hikers and nature lovers? the country has indeed many trails to wander and amazing natural landscapes to discover.
In need of a nature and wellness escape far from the crowd in 2021? Check out the following parks to decide your next destination in France ! Of course if you are also interested in French culture you can mix both.
Mercantour National Park
Located above the Riviera, in the Alpes Maritime and Alpes de Haute Provence, the first national park is very close to the Italian border. Seven valleys can be explored walking along many trails and paths with rustic charming villages and high mountain peaks. It also shelters the richer flora with more than 2000 different species as well as marmots, chamois and ibex.
Cévennes National Park
This UNESCO site is located above the city of Montpellier. It offers a wide variety of different landscapes from mountains to plateaus, passing by meadows, caves, streams, chestnut and oak forests. Mainly famous for the Stevenson trail, the Mont Aigoual and the granite massif of Mount Lozère, Jonte gorge, the park offers impressive landscapes and plenty of hiking trails and paths.
Calanques National Park
Located between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques are famous around the World for its beautiful cliffs diving into a turquoise sea and its hidden rocky inlets. You can explore the calanques by boat, kayak or enjoy the stunning views from the clifftop trails and paths.
Ecrins National Park
The park is located between Gap, Briançon and Grenoble. Home to over 150 mountains and 60 lakes, this wide area is one of the best European park if you like high mountains. It is a great place for skiing with many ski resorts and for challenging hikes with over 700 kilometers of trails and summits of more than 3000 meters high. The rocky valleys and impressive glaciers reflecting in the lakes offer incredible pictures.
Pyrénées National Park
The huge park is located at the Spain's border and is named after the mountain range that dominates the area. It owns a unique natural environment with peaks, valleys, waterfalls, lakes as well as a rich fauna and flora. The park is the only one to shelter its emblematic animal, the brown bear. Charming rustic villages and great historic sites can also be visited in the area.
Vanoise National Park
Located in the French Alps, in Savoie, the largest national park offers amazing sceneries: white glaciers, green forests, multicolor valleys and turquoise lakes. It is the perfect place for nature lovers and for hikers with more than 400 kilometers of trails. The fauna is very rich and protected, visitors may have the chance to see foxes, marmots, ibex and hare along their walks.
Port-Cros National Park
Located close to the French Riviera, on the way to Saint-Tropez from Marseille, Port-Cros is the only Mediterranean maritime park. This protected area shelters a rich maritime fauna. You can discover the small and beautiful island by foot on its 30 kilometers trail or explore its turquoise water. The island also houses a rich green flora and five military forts.
Camargue Regional Park
Located in the South of France, between Marseille and Montpellier, the Camargue Regional Park is famous for its white horses, pink flamingos and bulls. This flat area is perfect for peaceful walks and horseback rides. Salt marshes, sand islands, channels can easily be explored. The park also shelters a wide range of bird species.
Verdon Regional Park
Located in the Alpes de Haute Provence, 2 hours driving north to Aix-en-Provence, the Verdon is the second largest gorge in the World with the size of half a mile deep and 15 miles long. The canyon river offers breathtaking views with its green and rocky cliffs diving into a beautiful turquoise water. You can explore it by foot, you can rock climb or rent kayaks and sail along the river.
Considering now a nature, wellness or sportive trip in France?! contact me at info@inland-travel.com
I also remain available for any questions!
Sandra
Comments