France is home to a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes, from the sunny shores of the south to the towering peaks of the Alps and the rolling hills of the countryside.
It would take months to visit everything there is to see in France, what with all the amazing cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. France is one of the world’s most visited countries, and for good reason; vacationers can soak up the country’s rich history, enjoy some of the best food in the world, and experience a dynamic culture. Here’s a list of all 10 of France’s national parks so you can plan your trip accordingly.
10. Cevennes National Park
Cevennes National Park is a great place to go hiking since it has so many diverse landscapes to explore, and the scenery constantly shifts and changes as you walk. From high above, the park’s many mountains and plateaus reveal picturesque valleys and hills that descend from their summits.
In beautiful contrast to the bare rock of the cliffs and plateaus, forests and meadows flourish, while a number of placid rivers and streams wind their way between the hills. This beautiful national park in Southern France is teeming with life; vegetation and fauna emerge from every crevice, and the abundant wildflowers only enhance the area’s already stunning landscape.
9. we have Port-Cross National Park.
This lovely national park, known as Port-Cros National Park, can be found on the island of the same name in the Mediterranean. Within its borders are three smaller islands with calm, turquoise waters that invite you to relax and unwind.
The islands’ green flora and the azure waters provide a stunning contrast to the islands’ beige rocks and sandy beaches. The national park has strong regulations in place to protect the marine habitats around it and the delicate ecosystems on the islands themselves, and visitors are limited to prevent any damage to either.
Taking a boat out to the islands and watching them slowly materialize before your eyes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
8. Pyrenees National Park
Stunning beyond words. You may find a wide variety of breathtaking vistas in this amazing national park. Located on the international boundary between France and Spain, this park takes its name from the towering mountain range that dominates the region.
When you’re in awe of the breathtaking landscape around you, your cares melt away and your spirit soars. The mountains are stunning, with their snow-capped peaks dominating the sky and the ground swaying subtly in the breeze. Since this is the case, the mountains provide a plethora of wonderful hiking paths, as well as opportunities for rock climbing and even skiing in their more elevated regions.
The green of the lowlands gives way to the grey of the rocks on the hillside, which gives way to the brilliant white of snow and the stunning blue of the sky in Pyrenees National Park, making it an absolute must-see.
7. Guiana Amazonian National Park
Designed to preserve the Amazonian forest in French Guiana, this massive national park is one of the largest in the world and offers an incredible variety of experiences. This faraway region is only reachable by plane or pirogue, thus it has remained unspoiled and untamed.
Animals and birds of all kinds thrive in the rainforest’s humid environment, and the abundant plants and trees provide for a beautiful backdrop. Mount Galbao, rising dramatically from the jungle, reaches for the sky, while rivers wind through the seemingly unending forests.
Canoeing along the lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the stunning Gobaya Soula falls are a must-see on every trip. It’s not every day that you get to see trees that are sixty meters tall crowding in on you, but when you do, you know you’re in Guiana Amazonian National Park.
6. Vanoise Park, Number Six
The best reason to visit the largest national park in continental France is the breathtaking natural beauty you’ll find there. Hikers, mountaineers, and skiers will never want to leave its spectacular premises, which are located in the French Alps, due to the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.
The majestic mountains, broad valleys, and beautiful lakes of La Vanoise provide the stereotypical mental image of the French Alps. Up above the clouds, the globe looks much smaller and the vistas go on forever. As the highest mountain in the park, the Grand Casse is a sight to behold, especially when viewed in conjunction with the massif that surrounds it.
5. Calanques Park in France
This coastal park between Marseille and Cassis is loved by hikers for its gorgeous, though rather frightening, clifftop climb. Walking the often perilous trail, you make your way around the rocks and boulders while the cliff face drops off to one side. Amidst the breathtaking topography, the turquoise seas below are a sight to behold.
The bright colors and lush vegetation that sprout from the rough rock faces and towering white cliffs make this a lovely region to explore. The protected seas are home to dolphins and turtles, and sailing along the Calanques Massif—from which the park gets its name—is an unforgettable experience.
4. Ecrins National Park
More than a hundred peaks rise from the vastness of this national park, and the area’s sixty lakes offer stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks. The breathtaking beauty of these sceneries is enough to make anyone want to drop dead.
Located mostly in the Dauphine Alps and centered around the Massif des Ecrins, the spectacular beauty is sure to impress mountaineers and hikers alike. Eventually, the verdant valleys and green peaks of the mountains give way to the stony mountainside and snow in the highest regions of the peaks.
Incredible beauty, with over 700 kilometers of routes open to hikers and bikers, and a number of excellent ski areas for winter sports enthusiasts.
3. The National Park of Mercantour
Mercantour National Park has a lot going for it, what with its seven valleys, rural settlements, and towering peaks. Along the park’s various trails and paths, you may see an abundance of flora and fauna, including marmots, ibex, and chamois.
Visitors feeling very daring may choose to hang glide off of one of the sheer cliff sides and gaze down at the world below. On the other hand, the Vallee des Merveilles, with its more than 36,000 rock engravings, is a must-visit for history buffs.
In addition to these points of interest, the valleys and lakes scattered throughout the maritime Alps provide a stunning backdrop. The Gordolasque Valley and its meandering river are among the most picturesque of the area’s natural attractions.
2. The National Park of Guadeloupe
Despite being quite a journey from continental France, a vacation to this biodiversity hotspot is well worth it due to the abundance of exciting experiences it provides. The Caribbean is home to a diverse variety of mammals, birds, and insects, making this national park a must-see if you get the chance.
Amazing waterfalls, hidden in the hot, thick vegetation, are waiting to be discovered. The Carbet Falls, for example, are a succession of waterfalls on the slopes of La Soufriere volcano that plunge to enormous depths surrounded by pure tropical greenery. The hikes are breathtaking, and the sounds of the jungle will stay with you long after you’ve left this heaven on Earth.
1. the National Park of Reunion
Phwoar. There is so much stunning scenery on this island that lucky visitors may never want to leave. This French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean features a volcanic topography rich in ecosystems and is home to a national park.
As a result, the area is rich in plant and animal life and is frequented by mountaineers and hikers thanks to the numerous trails and routes that wind their way through the mountains. Fans of the great outdoors will find a lot to appreciate in this extraordinary location, which features lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and a wide variety of native species and vegetation.
Visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery from a variety of vantage points across the island, including the summits of the towering Piton des Neiges and the imposing Piton de la Fournaise. La Reunion National Park is amazing and well worth the travel time and expense.
How many national parks are there in France?
France has nine national parks (External link) , “natural monuments” that are home to exceptional wildlife.