Paris are examples of nature reserves and national parks. The most beautiful national parks in France

Historical, architectural and cultural sights of France are known to many travelers from different countries. Today we invite you to enjoy the stunning nature of this country.

Do you know the national parks and reserves of France? Most of our readers have probably not heard the names of many of them before. But these territories occupy almost 10% of the country's territory and form a huge ecological zone, one of the largest in Europe. In the article we will introduce you to the most famous and popular of them.

The list of national parks in France (most visited) is as follows:

1. Guadeloupe.
2. Port-Cros.
3. Pyrenees.
4. Sevennes.
5. Vanoise.
6. Guiana Amazon.
7. Calanques.
8. Mercantour.
9. Reunion.
10. Ekren.

All reserves and national parks in France deserve a separate description, but we will only give you a brief overview of some of them.

Vanoise

And we will begin our virtual journey from a park located in the Alps, to the south on the border with Italy. This is the very first national park in France, which was created in 1963. It is inhabited by mountain goats and graceful chamois, the care of which became the reason for the foundation of the park. If you are lucky, you can see the most amazing and beautiful mountain flower - edelweiss - blooming here.

Endless forests, picturesque waterfalls and amazingly beautiful landscapes delight visitors to the park. Around it today are several ski resorts visited by tourists from all over the world.

Cevennes

National Park of France, whose name is well known to many residents European countries. It is located in the basin It should be recognized that the French know how to protect nature and in the creation of national parks and reserves they have achieved excellent results.

The Parc de Cévennes was founded to limit the negative impact of tourism. However, this does not mean at all that entry to its territory is prohibited - a lot of effort has been invested in organizing tourism. highest quality. Throughout the park there are commemorative signs and tablets that describe the rules of visiting. Their violation leads to a substantial fine - about 1,500 euros.

The management of the park encourages guests to enjoy the magnificent nature, breathe in the crystal clear air to the fullest, but not destroy the park, which was created for people and to preserve all the most beautiful things on our planet.

Port-Cros

What nature reserves and national parks in France do you know? Difficult to answer? Then we will introduce you to another one of them. Interestingly, located on the territory of the country, southeast of Toulon, Port-Cros Park became part of the Hyeres Islands. It was created in 1963 to protect the nature of the Hyeres. Its area is 675 hectares, and together with the islands of Porkerol and Levan, it is part of the archipelago of the Golden Isles.

This is real natural monument: its lands are practically untouched by man. The island is covered with dense forests. The park is intended for walkers and cyclists who travel through numerous tourist routes. Many picturesque trails will lead you to the reserved corners of the park - snow-white beaches, fragrant groves, fields of lavender and heather, ruined fortresses and forts.

An interesting fact: in the distant past, the island played an important defensive role. This is evidenced by the remains of five forts. Travelers from all over the world come here to see them.

Pyrenees

An ideal example of nature reserves and national parks in France is the national park of the same name, located on the border with Spain, in the Western Pyrenees. According to the diversity of flora and fauna, it is recognized as one of the richest in the country: a thousand species of beetles, three hundred species of various butterflies, vultures and golden eagles, Pyrenean brown bears and lynxes, one hundred and fifty species of plants. And the symbol of this amazing park is the graceful Pyrenean chamois.

The Pyrenean muskrat lives in the park. The French consider it a great success to meet him. The historical sights of these territories are of great interest to tourists. It is, of course, located almost in the very center of the park ancient center religious pilgrimage Lourdes (Lourdes), picturesque mountain villages and numerous fortresses.

Ekren

This national park is located in It contains about a hundred mountain peaks and more than forty glaciers, which are the pride of the park. They are gradually replaced by plains and lakes. Alpine marmot, chamois and golden eagle live in the park.

Tourists can stay here in one of the thirty shelters, and then go on an exciting hiking trip through the park. By the way, the length of the trails here is about 750 kilometers.

Guadeloupe

This park covers an area of ​​173 km. sq. It was formed in 1989 on the island of Guadeloupe. The protected areas of the park occupy almost the entire island, mainly its central part. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, under strict protection, there is a mountain rainforest and the mountain ranges that it covers.

France's Guadeloupe National Park is recognized as the seventh largest in the country. Its history began almost half a century ago (1970), when one of the most major islands archipelago, was created in the locality of Basse-Terre nature Park. Its attractions are mountain ranges and tropical forests.

The flora of the national park includes: rare species of orchids, mahogany, tree ferns, and hevea. In the east of the archipelago you can see huge fields of sugar cane.

Guiana Amazonia

And this is the largest national park in France, which is located in French Guiana. Its area is 33.9 thousand square kilometers. The park was founded in early 2007. Interestingly, no roads lead to the park; you can get here only by air or by water.

The territory of the park with an area of ​​20,300 sq. km. protected as much as possible: mining is prohibited here, including gold in riverbeds. The park is located in a natural area of ​​the rainforest.

calanques

The Calanques National Park of France is located in Corsica, five kilometers southwest of Porto. Numerous orange and pink rocks stretching along the seashore rise 300 meters above the water, forming a magnificent landscape. In 1983, the park was included in the list of monuments (natural) of UNESCO. Numerous rock formations, mostly composed of granite, have been eroded and acquired bizarre and intricate shapes.

Mercantour

Many reserves and national parks in France have become the largest in Europe in a relatively short time. An example of this is the Mercantour park located in the departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes. It was founded in 1979 around the highest point of this region, Mount Zhela and the Mervei Valley. Today it is included in the list of monuments of the country's history. The park is located on an area of ​​685 square kilometers. Every year it is visited by about eight hundred thousand people.

The park also included the Valley of Wonders, in which more than forty thousand prehistoric petroglyphs were discovered. 240 km of thought out to the smallest detail laid on the territory hiking trails, and climbers can explore the rocks in the Monier, Bego, Mouton and Pelat mountain ranges.

reunion

The park is located on Its area is almost 1055 square meters. km. In addition, a security zone (878 sq. km) adjoins it. Reunion was founded in 2007 to protect the mountainous areas of the island.

Camargue nature reserve

France's most famous nature reserve guards river channels, sea lagoons, marshes, lakes and landscaped forests. More than 30 different species live here. The most common are wild boars, hares and rabbits, hedgehogs and squirrels, ferrets and weasels, beavers. But the special pride of the reserve is the world of birds, numbering more than three hundred species. Amazingly, this is the only place in Europe where pink flamingos nest.

There is a small settlement in the park, where only 50 people live. They are engaged in fishing, agriculture and tourism.

Reserve Scandola

In 1930, a decree was issued banning any modification or destruction of the environment in this area in Corsica without obtaining special permission from the relevant ministry. These territories were officially declared protected only in 1975.

The reserve is divided into two sectors: Scandola and Elpa Nera. These places are famous for landscapes of amazing beauty, tiny coastal islands and amazing sea pillars rising from clear waters. On the coast there are many hidden coves and long beaches covered with fine sand.

The reserve is open from April to October, but in order for tourists to get here, you need to get a special pass.

We have presented you only a few reserves and national parks in France (names, photos). All of them were created to protect and increase rare species of animals, birds and plants. By visiting them, you will get a lot of positive emotions, join the pristine nature and be able to see the rarest animals and birds of our planet.

The creation of the first reserves and parks in Europe can be attributed to the 10th century, to the time of King William I (1079). In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, hunting grounds were the main nature protection objects. Further development of conservation in Europe continued at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1909, the first national park in Europe, Sarek, was created in Sweden.

To date, national parks in Europe account for more than 11% of the total area of ​​the continent, although the number exceeds 6 thousand parks. Most parks in Europe are characterized by their small size and the absence of wild flora and fauna.

The largest park in this moment is the Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland, which has an area of ​​1 million 200 thousand hectares, most of which is a glacier.

I would also like to note the most beautiful and interesting national parks in Europe - Sofiyivka (Ukraine, Uman) the largest arboretum in Europe, Donana (Spain) it is also called the "bird airport", Belovezhskaya Pushcha (Belarus, Poland), Port-Cros (France) the first marine park in Europe.

National parks and reserves of France

National parks France occupy almost 9% of its area (about 48,720 sq. km), and these are only large protected areas. A characteristic feature of the organization of the French nature protection system is a network of almost fifty regional parks and hundreds of small protected areas that complement large reserves, which occupy a total of another 7% of the country's territory, which forms one of the largest ecological zones in Western Europe. At the same time, French reserves for the most part are not purely natural areas in the usual sense - they are actively developing active tourism, there are many historical monuments and cultural heritage sites, agricultural zones and forestries. Therefore, it is not surprising that the share of protected areas accounts for up to 10% of foreign guests. By the way, the French themselves are much more active in this regard - up to 23% domestic tourism to one degree or another falls on the reserves.

Vanoise National Park. Vanoise National Park is the first national park in France. It was founded in 1963. The reason for the creation of the park was the threat of complete extermination of stone goats in this area. Definitely, Vanoise can be called the main national park of France (Figure 13).

Vanoise National Park is located south of the Mont Blanc mountain range and extends along the Alps mountain range in the Savoie region. This is a relatively small park. The park is divided into two zones: the central one has a length of 528 sq. km. and peripheral zone - 1450 sq. km. The peripheral zone is the area that surrounds the central one; it was created to protect wildlife in the central zone in order to preserve it in its original form. The Peripheral Zone makes it possible to further restrict people's access to these beautiful wild lands. For 14 kilometers, the Vanoise National Park borders on the Italian Gran Paradiso National Park. Both parks make up the largest protected area in Western Europe. A project has been prepared to open the border between them.

Figure 13 - Vanoise National Park

Not a single generation of people who visited these places was amazed at the captivating beauty of the landscapes that dominates this park. There are many in the Vanoise park beautiful places, which are located at an altitude of 770-2796 meters, which offer breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and the delightful green valleys of Vanoise! There you can see sparkling snow, slopes overgrown with edelweiss, the sun, dizzying ski slopes, the solitary shadow of a centuries-old fir, an eagle in the sky, hear the trill of a chaffinch above your ear. If you travel through the park at the beginning of spring, then along the way you can see very beautiful paintings, for dull spring days. In spring, the northern slopes are not yet free of snow, and the southern ouds are covered with the first flowers. On the way, you can see spring waterfalls jumping from a dizzying height, a huge bottomless sky and many other beautiful paintings that can only be seen in the Vanoise National Park. Unforgettable are the two main peaks of Vanoise - Grand Cos and Mont Puri, rising respectively to 3852 and 3778 meters above sea level.

The Vanoise National Park is rich in a huge number of alpine wild flowers, always blooming luxuriantly in the valleys and on the peaks. Vegetable world The park includes more than a thousand species of various alpine plant species. The most interesting, in the opinion of experts, of these plants - edelweiss and gentian, have become the symbol of Vanoise. They can be seen on the emblem of the Vanoise National Park. Among the specially protected species in the park, the following can be distinguished: alpine aquilegia, various types of sedge (among them two-colored sedge), alpine bluebells, saxifrage, beautiful mountain primrose (Piedmontese primrose), which can truly be called the queen of the Alps.

The fauna of the Vanoise National Park strikes with its diversity anyone who visits the park at least once. If you have time to explore the wildlife of Vanoise, you will be able to see how beautiful the wildlife of the park is. The Vanoise contains the largest ibex population in France, with around 2,000 individuals, making it the third largest ibex population in France. Stone goats live high in the mountains, and you can see them when they descend from their mountain rocks and snows.

Stone goats were widespread in the sixteenth century, but shortly after the use of guns by hunters, the stone goats were almost all exterminated. Only about a hundred individuals survived, which lived in the mountains of Gran Paradiso in Italy, where hunting for these animals was prohibited in 1823. King Victor Emmanuel II created the Gran Paradiso Royal Reserve in 1856. In 1922, the reserve was expanded and declared a national park.

About five and a half thousand individuals of chamois live in the park. Among the small mammals found in Vanoise are rodents such as the hare in a white winter coat, the marmot living in the alpine meadows, and several species of voles, including the snow vole and the yellow-backed vole. Of the carnivores in the park, there are such animals as the fox, badger, pine marten, ermine and weasel. Also in the Vanoise Park you can see bats, in particular the pipestrel and the northern long-eared bat and such insectivores as the white shrew. The splendor of the feathered world includes 125 species, and among them are the black grouse, hazel grouse, bile, green woodpecker, three-toed woodpecker (preserved in France only in the Savoy Alps), crossbill, nutcracker, white-toothed thrush. In the alpine zone, rock thrushes, snow finches, alpine jackdaws, kekliks, alpine curlers live. In the highlands, the tundra partridge feels completely safe, and on the most impregnable rocks three or four pairs of golden eagles nest every year - these real rulers of the skies. The park is also home to such birds as the golden eagle, white, eagle owl, owl, black woodpecker, sparrow, walnut, colorful and motley flycatchers. Among the amphibians in the park, such animals as the newt, rush toad, common toad and others live. Of the reptiles, you can find a viviparous lizard, various types of snakes, such as the snake of Aesculapius and vipera. Vanoise is home to hundreds of species of insects. Butterflies in the Savoyard meadows are, perhaps, no less than flowers in the spring, and among them are such wonderful ones as vanessa and a large apollo.

Port-Cros National Park. The Port-Cros National Park is located in France, southeast of Toulon, on the island of Port-Cros, which is part of the Hyeres Islands, and the adjacent water area. It was created in 1963 to preserve the nature of the Hyeres.

Its area is 675 hectares, and together with the islands of Levan and Porquerolles, it forms the archipelago of the Golden Isles. Port-Cros Park is a real monument of nature: its lands are practically untouched by man. The island is covered with thick forests. The highest point of this area is located at an altitude of 195 meters above sea level.

Despite its small size (Por-Cros is the smallest in the Golden Isles archipelago), the island is very picturesque and interesting. Covered with forests and mountains, the park is designed for cyclists and walkers traveling on a variety of local routes. Many fascinating trails lead to the protected corners of the island? fragrant groves, snow-white beaches, fields of heather and lavender, ruined forts and fortresses.

At one time, the island performed an important function in defense, as evidenced by the five forts. Their remains are located on the island of Port-Cros and attract travelers from all over the world (Figure 14).

Figure 14 - Iera Islands

Most interesting local beach considered La Palud, thanks to its azure waters, abundance of marine life, mysterious grottoes and rocks.

An interesting beach find is an underwater path, along the entire length of which there are signs containing information about the inhabitants of the sea. Since the depth of the beach is small (up to 10 meters), even inexperienced divers and snorkelers have the opportunity to take a closer look at undersea world Mediterranean (Figure 15).

Figure 15 - Lagoon in Port-Cros Park

Water area around beautiful island is under the protection of France, Italy, Monaco and is part of the largest nature reserve "Pelagos". The coast of the island is inhabited by a variety of sea birds. You can see their nesting sites on an excursion.

Keira Regional Natural Park. The Keira Regional Natural Park was founded in 1977. It is not one of the largest reserves in the country, but due to its natural and climatic conditions and the richness of nature, it is considered one of the best mountain reserves in Europe. Located in the spurs of the Cottian Alps, between Briancon and the Italian border, it differs markedly from its more eminent neighbors with a colorful combination of alpine nature with more pronounced Mediterranean features. Dense forests here are replaced by extensive thickets of hard-leaved shrubs, green alpine meadows - mountain wastelands, and steep slopes of peaks - relatively gentle limestone massifs, which makes this territory one of the richest in both the abundance of living creatures and the diversity of landscapes. At the same time, access to all areas of the park is completely free, and the abundance of small mountain villages provides good conditions both for accommodation and for getting to know the local culture.

The reserve covers about 2,300 hectares at altitudes from 1,800 to 3,300 meters, stretching along the Gil River valley to Mount Viso (3,841 m), already located on Italian territory, the highest in the Cottian Alps. The alpine flora (800 varieties of plants alone!) and fauna (about 120 species of animals) are exceptionally diverse here, and the numerous villages of the valley in winter are popular, albeit small, ski resorts, in the summer providing excellent opportunities for hiking and horse riding tours in the mountains.

The easiest way to reach the reserve is via the A51 motorway from Marseille (distance 238 km) via Guillèstre or via Briançon via the A43 motorway from Grenoble. However, it should be borne in mind that many passes from October to May are either covered with snow or difficult to pass for ordinary cars.

Reserves and parks of the country occupy about 9% of its total area. Reserves, national parks form one of the largest ecological zones in Europe.

One of the most famous is the Mercantour National Park. The territory of the park is occupied by the mountain range of the same name. Its area is about 685 sq. km. Mercantour has become the largest park in Europe over the years of its existence. There are about 2,000 plant species in the park. Animal world just as varied. About 70 species of mammals, 76 species of birds live here.

Near small town Saint-Martin-Vésubie is a wolf reserve called "Alpha".

Port-Cros National Park is located in the southeast of Toulon. This is the very first reserve of marine flora and fauna in Europe. It was founded in 1963. The reserve specializes in protecting the ecosystems of the islands and adjacent waters. Only 5,000 visitors per day can enter the reserve. There are ferries from Toulon and Le Lavandou to the reserve.

The next major national park in France is Vanoise. It has been leading its history since 1963. Its area occupies about 1250 sq. km. mountain range. The center of the park is at the highest level. About 80% of the park is closed to the public. It is very strictly guarded. The park is home to the largest population of stone goats. The park is united with the Italian nature reserve Gran Paradiso. Thanks to the work of the reserve, the number of these rare animals has stabilized.

Ecrins National Park is located on the border of the Hautes-Alpes and the Isère department. This reserve was established in 1973 with the aim of protecting forests of oaks and pines, as well as alpine meadows. The reserve is extremely beautiful. On its territory there are glaciers, lakes, glacial landforms.

The next natural park in France is Queira, founded in 1977. This is a mountain reserve located in the spurs of the Cottian Alps. The park has beautiful nature, landscapes are closer to the Mediterranean type. Dense forests, green meadows and slopes of mountain peaks. The entire territory of the park is available for visiting. You can also stay here in one of the mountain villages, which are very numerous in this area.

Near the Spanish border is the Pyrene Nature Reserve. Its area is about 460 sq. km. This area is unique in its flora and fauna. There are also many historical monuments in the park. You can enter the park by air or by rail. Vehicles go to remote areas.

In the south of France, in the mountainous regions, there is the Sevens National Park. The park was created to protect local unique landscapes and representatives of flora and fauna. The park is divided into two zones. One zone is closed, and the other is intended for visits.

There are about 2200 plant species in the park. The local landscape is also unique. Alpine meadows coexist with peat bogs and mountain wastelands, dense forests of beech, oaks and chestnuts turn into steppes on the slopes. The fauna of the park is also rich, there are about 2400 species of animals. Some species have long disappeared from the territory of all of Europe and live only in this area.

The park is equipped with bicycle and pedestrian paths, routes along the water have been developed.

The park is easy to get to as there are major highways nearby.

France has a network of regional natural parks.

The most famous is the Camargue nature reserve. Its area is about 81,780 hectares. Flamingos and herons nest in the park. In total, there are about 300 species of birds in the park. The park has a unique juniper forest. The juniper itself grows up to seven meters high, with a trunk diameter of 50 centimeters. About 300 species of mammals are also registered in the park.

Are you going to France and do not know what places to visit, except for the well-known Paris and Provence? We will help you! If you want to be among extraordinary nature, admire the magnificent landscapes and enjoy the fresh and clean air, then the choice definitely falls on the national parks and reserves of France. And this is not at all surprising, since they make up about 10% of the country and form one of the largest ecological zones. In this article, we will talk about the most famous of them, why they are worth visiting and what you can see and learn there. There are nine in total, but the most beautiful and largest are Vanoise, Camargue, Cevennes, Scandola and Ecrins. Now we will introduce you in more detail to each of them.

Vanoise is located in the Alps south of Mont Blanc, right on the border with Italy and was founded back in 1963. This is the first and main national park in France.

In the park you can meet stone goats, which became the reason for the foundation of the park, along with chamois. Also here you will find edelweiss - the most beautiful mountain flower in the world.

It is difficult to describe the nature and air of the park in words, it is not only snow-capped mountain peaks and endless forests, but also beautiful waterfalls and landscapes of amazing beauty.

There are several ski resorts around the park, which allows you to have fun and spend your time usefully.

Within the park it is possible different types accommodation with different prices, details can be found on the official website of the park. Also, you can stay in hotels that are nearby. The average cost per night will be about $100.

This reserve protects some of the most amazing places France, in particular sea lagoons, river channels, lakes, swamps and landscape forests. Here you can meet more than 30 species of different animals. Most of all in the park are wild boars, hedgehogs, hares and rabbits, squirrels, weasels, ferrets and beavers.

But the main treasure and pride of the reserve is the bird world, which has more than 300 species. This is the only place in all of Europe where pink flamingos nest.

By the way, signs and signs are everywhere in the park, which describe the rules and prohibitions. Failure to comply with them leads to a fine - about 1,500 euros.

The main motto of the park and what the management and the local population are asking for is to enjoy the nature of the park, breathe deeply, but do not destroy the park, because it was created for you and to preserve the beauty of our planet. This is an amazing combination of natural and man-made, this is how a person should relate to nature, complement it, and not destroy it.

It is located on the island Corsica which gives it a special charm. Also, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. To enter its territory, you need a special pass, which can be issued through the official website of the park. Otherwise, you can admire its beauties from the water.

Accordingly, the animal world is mostly represented by marine mammals, in particular seals and sea ​​turtles. Another pride of it are rare birds, about 10 species, namely ospreys, harriers, bluebirds, swifts, gulls, sea eagles and cormorants.

Majestic glaciers are undoubtedly the pride of the park, they are replaced by plains and lakes, on the territory of which you can meet the most famous local residents such as, chamois, alpine marmot and golden eagle.

In this park, you can stay in shelters, of which there are about 30, and enjoy hiking. The length of the trails is about 750 kilometers. On the official website of the park, you can find all the details and book a visit.

Near all the parks there are tourist complexes and hotels where you can easily stay. For example, the cost of living near the Vanoise National Park will be about $100 per day.

All these national parks are designed and created in order to preserve, protect and increase rare animals, birds and plants. Having visited them, you will receive not only a lot of positive emotions, but also improve your health, join wild nature and get a unique opportunity to taste real life the rarest animals of our world.

The national parks of France occupy almost 9% of its area (about 48,720 sq. km), and these are only large protected areas. A characteristic feature of the organization of the French nature protection system is a network of almost fifty regional parks and hundreds of small protected areas that complement large reserves, which occupy a total of another 7% of the country's territory, which forms one of the largest ecological zones in Western Europe. At the same time, French reserves, for the most part, are not purely natural areas in the usual sense - active tourism is actively developing on their territory, there are many historical monuments and cultural heritage sites, agricultural zones and forest areas. Therefore, it is not surprising that the share of protected areas accounts for up to 10% of foreign guests. By the way, the French themselves are much more active in this regard - up to 23% of domestic tourism to one degree or another falls on reserves.

Mercantour

Mercantour National Park (Parc National du Mercantour) occupies a mountain range of the same name with an area of ​​​​about 685 square meters. km in the northern part of the Alpes-Maritimes department, on the border with Italy. Founded in 1979 around the highest point of the region - Mount Gelas (Mont Gelas, Cime du Gelas, 3143 m) and the Merveilles Valley (Vallee des Merveilles - "Valley of Miracles", included in the list of historical monuments of France), in a short time it turned into one one of the largest nature reserves in Europe, attracting the attention of tourists with a whole range of natural and historical sites. The flora of the park is unique - there are more than 2 thousand plant species (including 54% of the flowering plant species of France), 25 endemics and about two hundred endangered species. The fauna is also diverse - about 70 species of mammals and 76 species of birds, and near the town of Saint-Martin-Vesubie (Saint-Martin-Vesubie) operates the only Alfa wolf reserve in the country. Since 1987, Mercantour has been merged with the Italian Argentera National Park, which further expands the ranges of many unique plants and animals. At the same time, in the seven central valleys - Roya (Roya, Roya), Bevera (Bevera), Vesubie (Vesubie), Tine (Tinee), Upper Var (Haut Var, this is the Alpes-Maritimes department), Verdon (Verdon) and Ubaye (Ubaye , on Russian maps for some reason it is designated as Ibai) - there are almost three dozen picturesque mountain villages with unique architecture that incorporate both French and Italian traditions. But calling card The park is located at the foot of Mount Bego (Mt. Bego, 2872 m) the Mervei Valley (upper part of the Roya Valley), in which more than 37 thousand rock paintings dating back to the 2nd millennium BC were discovered. e. (The good Mervey Museum in the town of Tende is dedicated to the same monument).

About 240 km of carefully designed and marked hiking trails are laid through the territory of the park, and climbers will find many interesting rocks in the Bego, Monier, Pelat and Mouton mountain ranges.

By car, the national park can be reached from any city on the Côte d'Azur via Monaco and Nice.

Port-Cros

Port-Cros National Park (Parc national de Port-Cros) occupies part of the territory of the Hyeres Islands (Iles d "Hyeres) southeast of Toulon. Together with the botanical reserve of Porkerol Island, the park occupies about 10 square kilometers of land and about 80 km of water area. This the first marine reserve in Europe (founded in 1963), specializing in the protection of the unique ecosystems of the dry Mediterranean islands and adjacent waters.Access to the territory of the reserve is limited (5000 visitors daily on Porquerolles and 1500 on Port-Cros), especially in summer period when fire risk is high, but a network of hiking trails, past ruined forts and a handful of buildings around the port of Port-Cros, through groves of dense hardwoods, lavender and heather nesting seabirds, and along picturesque small beaches, make it possible get to know in a short time amazing nature these places.

The island of Porquerolles can offer picturesque landscapes from the old lighthouse (open to the public from June to September, from 11.00 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 16.30) and the cliffs surrounding it, quite exotic hiking trails along coastal cliffs, through moorlands and thickets of dry maquis , as well as a visit to the Mediterranean botanical garden Le Hameau. You can also swim in the sea here or relax on the beaches of Notre Dame framed by pine trees (the longest on the island, located 3 km northeast of the village of Porquerolles, just in front of the fence occupying the entire northern section military base) or Argent (1 km west of the port), as well as snorkeling among the coastal cliffs inhabited by myriads of living creatures both under water and above its level.

You can get to the reserve by ferries from Toulon and Le Lavandou, as well as tourist boats from any port on the Côte d'Azur.

Vanoise

Vanoise National Park (Parc national de la Vanoise) was founded on July 6, 1963, being the very first reserve of this level in France. It covers about 1250 sq. km of the mountain range of the same name, located in the southeastern part of the Savoie department, between the Isère river in the north, the Italian border in the east, the Mont Cenis pass in the southeast and the length of the Arc river in the southwest. The central zone of the park, which occupies the highest mountainous regions of Vanoise, 5 small local parks, is protected very strictly - almost 80% of its territory is inaccessible to the public, which, however, does not greatly upset the average tourist, since quite serious climbing training is required to move through these mountains. It was this "core" of the park that served as an impetus for the formation of the reserve, since the largest population of stone goats (Capra ibex) lives here in France. And the same reason served as the unification of the territory with the Italian reserve Gran Paradiso (founded in 1922), which lies in the spurs of the mountain of the same name. As a result, it was possible not only to stabilize the population of this rare animal (at the moment - more than 2000 individuals, i.e. one third of all living in the country), but also to support the conservation of many other rare mountain plants and animals, which turned Vanoise and Gran Paradiso in one of the most authentic regions of Europe. A specially allocated peripheral zone of the park is open to the public and unites 28 colorful mountain towns. In this area, not only scrupulous environmental activities are carried out (suffice it to say that the number of protected plant species here is three times higher than in the central zone of the park, and in total more than a thousand species of flowering plants live here), but all possible active types of recreation are developed. In addition to observing 125 species of birds, 70 species of animals and 340 species of insects, you can go skiing here (almost along the border of the park there are such famous resorts such as Trois Vallee, La Plagne, Val d'Isère and Tignes), rafting, kayaking and mountain climbing, visiting numerous waterfalls and caves, seeing the Lac Blanc Polset marble cliffs and the Roc de la Peche fossils, the Pierre aux Pieds megaliths and petroglyphs Vanoise or commit hiking according to the most picturesque places areas.

By car, the national park can be reached from any city in Savoie through the Maurienne valley (Maurienne, motorway A43) and Arc (Arc, D902) enveloping the park from the south and through Moutiers, the Vanoise and Isère valleys from the north (motorway N90 and 902). You can also take the train to Modane (Modane, Arc Valley) and Bourg-Saint-Maurice (Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Isère Valley) and then take the bus to the mountains. The nearest airports are Chambery (Chambery), Grenoble-Saint-Geoire (Grenoble), Lyon-Satolas (Lyon) and Geneve (Geneva).

Ekren

Ecrins National Park (Parc national des Ecrins) lies on the border of the Isère and Hautes-Alpes departments, within the Dauphin Alps (Dauphine Alps, Alpes du Dauphine), the Dupelvu massif and the Ecrins peak (4102 m). This mountain reserve with an area of ​​918 sq. km was founded in 1973 to protect a vast area of ​​pine and oak forests, alpine meadows and wastelands. But the main decoration of the park is the abundance of glacial landforms - numerous glaciers, cirques, lakes, troughs and kars, as well as narrow valleys of rivers born in glaciers cut through this mountain range. At the same time, Ecrins is considered the highest mountainous region of France, with the exception of Mont Blanc, of course. In the northern part of the massif are the peaks of Ecrins (Barre des Ecrins, 4102 m), Mont Pelvoux (Mont Pelvoux, 3946 m) and La Meije (La Meije, 3983 m), and the total number of "three-thousanders" here exceeds a hundred.

There are six separate reserves on the territory of the park, protecting local natural complexes, but united by a common system of management and control. The nature of the park is interesting primarily for its pronounced altitudinal zonality. At the foot of the majestic peaks, you can see an amazing variety of species of mixed forests and alpine meadows, beautiful mountain lakes and rivers, the air above which literally trembles with myriads of insects and birds. But as you climb, the picture is rapidly changing, and already on the passes you can find only mosses and lichens - and all this is literally on a one and a half to two kilometer route. At the same time, the nature of the highlands can hardly be called scarce - about fifty species of wild animals, about 300 species of plants and 56 species of insects are found here, and at the foot of the species diversity is even higher.

The Romanche, Guisane, Durance and Drac valleys surrounding the protected area provide excellent opportunities for exploring the colorful local culture, as well as for active rest. About a hundred climbing routes leave in the highlands, and a network is broken around (total length of about 1000 km) of relatively simple hiking trails passing from pass to pass.

The information offices of the park are located in the towns of Le Bourg-d'Oisans and Vallouise, through which the most optimal routes for a trip to the mountains pass.

Keira

The Queyras Regional Natural Park (Parc naturel regional du Queyras, founded in 1977) is not one of the largest reserves in the country, but due to its natural and climatic conditions and the richness of nature, it is considered one of the best mountain reserves in Europe. Located in the spurs of the Cottian Alps, between Briancon and the Italian border, it differs markedly from its more eminent neighbors with a colorful combination of alpine nature with more pronounced Mediterranean features. Dense forests here are replaced by extensive thickets of hard-leaved shrubs, green alpine meadows - mountain wastelands, and steep slopes of peaks - relatively gentle limestone massifs, which makes this territory one of the richest in both the abundance of living creatures and the diversity of landscapes. At the same time, access to all areas of the park is completely free, and the abundance of small mountain villages provides good conditions both for accommodation and for getting to know the local culture.

The reserve covers about 2,300 hectares at altitudes from 1,800 to 3,300 meters, stretching along the Gil River valley to Mount Viso (Monte Viso, Monviso, 3841 m), already located on Italian territory, the highest in the Cottian Alps. Alpine flora (800 species of plants alone!) and fauna (about 120 species of animals) are exceptionally diverse here, and the numerous villages of the valley are popular, albeit small, ski resorts in winter, while providing excellent opportunities for hiking and horseback excursions in the mountains in summer.

The easiest way to reach the reserve is via the A51 motorway from Marseille (distance 238 km) via Guillestre or via Briançon via the A43 motorway from Grenoble. However, it should be borne in mind that many passes from October to May are either covered with snow or difficult to pass for ordinary vehicles (this is especially true for the Col Izoard - Col Agnel section).

Pyrenees

The Pyrenees National Park (Parc national des Pyrenees, founded in 1967) stretches for almost 100 km along the Spanish border. It covers almost 460 sq. km of the departments of the Hautes-Pyrenees and the Atlantic Pyrenees, and together with the adjacent French reserve Pyrenees Occidental (Parc national des Pyrenees Occidentales) and the Spanish national parks Ordesa and Monte Perdido (included in the World natural heritage UNESCO) forms a huge protected area that occupies almost half of the Central Pyrenees. Moreover, these regions are interesting not only for their unique natural conditions and wildlife, but also the easy accessibility of the territory and the abundance of historical monuments.

The foothills of the Pyrenees are covered with dense beech and poplar forests, above begins a zone of mixed forests inhabited by a large number of animals (about 70 species of mammals alone!), Then a strip of dry mountain wastelands and desert areas stretch. 400 km of walking, horseback and ecological trails all categories of difficulty, high-altitude areas are attractive for climbers - it is here that the highest point of the region is located - Mount Vinhmal (3298 m) and 14 "two-thousanders", the famous glacial cirques of Gavarny (Joverny) and Trumuz, about 200 lakes, as well as one of the highest waterfalls Europe - the Grand Cascade of Gavarni (height 422 m). But the historical sights of the region are usually of no less interest to tourists, first of all, located almost in the center of the park, the ancient Lourdes (Lourdes) - one of the most important centers of religious pilgrimage in Western Europe, as well as numerous fortresses and picturesque mountain villages.

The information centers of the park are located in Tarbes, Etsaut, Cauterets, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gavarnie, Laruns and Arrens. The park can be reached by air via Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees Airport and Pau-Pyrenees Airport or by rail (SNCF line Bayonne - Toulouse) via Tarbes. You can also use motor transport (highways N 85, 234 and 70), which is especially convenient for transit trips to Spain and to remote mountainous areas.

Seven

The Seven National Park (Parc national des Cevennes) lies in the mountainous regions of the south of the country. mountain system The Cévennes is part of the Massif Central and one of the oldest in Europe. Therefore, these ancient landscapes with an amazing network of heavily weathered mountains have one of the most unusual natural complexes of the continent, famous for its many relic life forms. At the same time, it is one of the most ancient areas of human habitation, therefore, in 1970, to protect the landscapes, flora, fauna and architectural heritage of the Cévennes, a national park was created, occupying almost the entire southern part the Lozère department and the northwestern part of the Gard department. In accordance with the French system of nature conservation, the park is divided into two areas - a protected central zone (zone centrale), in which all economic activity is prohibited, and a peripheral zone, in which many historical settlements are concentrated and which is open to everyone.

About 2250 species of plants live here, and a wide variety of climates (there are areas with oceanic, continental and Mediterranean types), the chemical composition of the soils and a serious elevation difference (from 378 to 1699 m) allow representatives of different natural zones to live comfortably side by side. Alpine meadows of Mont Lozaire (the highest point of the park, 1702 m) give way to peat bogs and lifeless mountain wastelands, steppes and meadows stretch along the western slopes, while rocky sheltered valleys of the southern slopes are covered with rich subtropical vegetation, picturesque beech, chestnut and oak forests ( approximately 58,047 hectares of forest - the largest forest area in the south of the country). Of the 400 species of flora protected in France, 33 are represented in the park, plus another 48 local varieties and more than a hundred species are protected. rare plants, which is especially surprising when one considers that almost all the slopes of the outer zone are freely used for grazing.