I’m Ivan, travel addict, historian, and wanderer who has been exploring the world since 2010. The particularly interesting place to visit here is the town of Lourdes that once was an important center of religious pilgrimage in Western Europe, not to mention numerous castles and mountain villages. Or try rock climbing on the limestone walls. The Verdun Memorial is a comprehensive museum of the Battle of Verdun and a memorial to fallen soldiers set in the Verdun battlefield, one of the most famous WW1 Battlefields in France. more, Top Parks & Nature Attractions in France, Europe, Points of Interest & Landmarks • National Parks, Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations, Points of Interest & Landmarks • Volcanos, 5,000+ places sorted by traveler favorites. It occupies the vast western part of the Rhone River delta. Outdoor enthusiasts will find picturesque valleys, fairly low mountain ranges, forested mountains and stone placers of ancient volcanic fields. If you travel by car take either A43 or D902 highways that go through the Maurienne valley. The length … This article takes a closer look at the most popular attractions in France. It was created for Marie de Medici who was Queen of France and wife to Henri, the IV. 1967) stretches 65 miles along the border with Spain. Where there’s sea there’s salt. Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée is a famous soup in France and is devoured with relish. The Corse Regional Park covers about 40% of the total area on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea. With plenty of signposted hiking trails in the park, about one hundred trails offer easy and short hikes. The central zone maintains maximum protection for the largest population of Alpine Ibex in France, as well as for a vast landscape of flora and fauna. 6. Mercantour national park encompasses the south-east corner of France, approximately 425 square miles close to the border of Italy. Remember that while swimming is allowed in the National Park, is it advisable to swim only in areas where it is permitted to avoid fines. A huge space filled with all kinds of rides, and things to do. Feel free to say “HI” on social media too! The rocky areas are popular with climbers. Attractions. , fishing villages, islands, caves, quarries , blue water, etc. You will find photos, my personal thoughts on various matters and, of course, money saving tips. You love nature, forests, lakes, flora and fauna? With over 150 miles of signposted hiking trails, the Mercantour national park is home to thousands of petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings from the Bronze Age). Who doesn’t love some soup? The Plaza de Mayo has, since being the scene of the 25 May 1810 revolution that led to independence, a focal point of political life in Buenos Aires and, arguably, Argentina. I love Cevennes National Park. France has played a fascinating role in world history ever since humans settled in its caves up until the great world wars and beyond. (nothing too exiting) and have beautiful views of Corsican coast. It is one of the most famous nature parks in the country. 3. This essentially makes Vanoise the oldest national park in France. We predict that with the arrival of pandas this … The hilly Petit-Brenn region in the southern part isn’t the official part of the park and is utilized for livestock grazing. France is blessed with 10 incredible national parks within its borders and international territories. The most important botanical garden in France, the Jardin des Plantes is undoubtedly one of the best parks in Paris. Created in 1979, it has been designated ... Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon. Due to proximity to the Côte d’Azur and the Luberon mountains, Verdon park is very popular with travelers. The Battle of the Somme was an infamous First World War battle from July to November 1916, renowned for the controversial tactics employed by British forces and the exceptional number … This makes exploring this national park so thrilling and rewarding. Almost all of the nearly 1400 ancient water bodies have long been adapted to economic needs. With good reasons: the... 3. These cave paintings are just incredible and totally worth a visit at least once in a lifetime. There's no doubt la vie est belle! Get All The Latest Updates Delivered Straight Into Your Inbox For Free! in fresh spring water in quiet natural enviroment in hot summer days are so refreshing and... ... Calanques is a fantastic place with amazingly blue water, odorous pine trees, breathtaking views, gorgeous, Lively buzz with a market, street entertainment, loads of. ... and absolutely loved it because it is so beautiful and a fantastic contrast from, A beautiful garden, clever planting scheme, mixture of flowers, plants, vegetables, trees and, ( must visit ) Lots of areas to visit Stepping in the glass box are amazing Staff are nice and friendly, ... by, and gentle, very well-chosen classical music that accompanied some of the, , wonderful town, boat rides, brilliant cycle path around the. This nature reserve includes the unique mountain areas, volcanic landscapes, dozens of lakes and majestic mountain peaks, usually snow-covered. 10 of the best national and regional parks in France Vanoise national park, Rhône-Alpes. Ecrins has a sprawling network of secluded and remote deep valleys and high mountains. Famous Parks in Provence, France. One of the best and must visit place if your Inn and around Paris Breathtaking, You do have a couple of areas where you ao up and down a steep ish slope, but the walk along the. 12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France. Parc National du Mercantour. You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side. Yes, life is beautiful indeed and so are these famous landmarks in France. Before you go you will want to check for information on trails and routes in one of the visitor centers in Tarbes, Etsaut, Saint-Lary, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gavarnie, Cauterets or Arrens-Marsous. national parks in france | calanques national park calanques national park This national park is set in the center of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, and it’s known for its cultural heritage, important biodiversity, and heartwarming landscape. Both are perfect destinations for walking, mountaineering, and hiking. Here are 17 of the very best city parks to help you choose the perfect European break for you. You can find out more about which cookies I'm using or switch them off in settings. 4. At the same time, only two trails are dedicated for a multi-day hike. The peripheral zone is home to 28 picturesque mountain villages. There are a number of shorter imitative trails in Japan , such as the 150km circuit on the island of Shōdoshima, a 3km course in Ninna-ji, Kyoto and a route on the Chita Peninsula. Filters • 1. The Château de Chambord, built for King Francis I, is the most magnificent château; Château de Chenonceau has a distinctive feminine style; and the Château de Cheverny is a Neoclassical-style manor house in … Queyras Regional Park (Parc Naturel regional du Queyras) may not be the largest nature reserve in France, but it is definitely one of the country’s most culturally rich regions. But they are well worth the effort. The French Pyrenees is home to the most amazing natural monuments in the region. Check my list of 12 stunning national parks and regional parks in France. ; Zoo Parc de Beauval, in the Loir et Cher department, in the Loire valley area.Over 4000 animals, including koalas aned orang-utangs. The main reason to visit Ecrins is, of course, its amazing nature. Between Toulouse and Montpellier, there is a Haut-Languedoc regional park. Hotels and Airbnbs in Pyrénées National Park, France. Since 1987 Parks Alpi Marittime and Mercantour work together to protect nature, the landscapes, and the biological diversity of the region. It is home to four museums and conserves a wholly functioning botanical school. This region is unique for its salt and reed marshes, marine lagoons, hundreds of channels and sand islands. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. One of the rare gardens in Paris that you won’t see from the street. This 156 square kilometer area (which borders France) is filled with raging rivers, gorges, waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and dense woodland. The Vanoise National Park stretches across much of the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys until it finally reaches the Italian border, where it continues as Gran Paradiso National Park. Some of the paths I’ve hiked were really popular and brought me to Plage du Sud. It offers an exciting opportunity to see the wolves, and it doesn’t make you feel like you’re visiting a zoo or safari park. Jardin des Tuileries. This is one of the most popular and accessible beaches on Port Cros. Discover the most beautiful national parks in Europe. Port-Cros sits just south of the mainland and is quite easy to visit by ferry from Saint-Pierre Marina in Hyères’. After gazing at the mountains, one may think he is in the Himalayan foothills than in the south of France. Cevennes is home to 33 out of 400 endangered species, not to mention almost a hundred of endemic plant species. Enter dates. Dense beech and poplar forests, towering mountains and beautiful waterfalls are the main reason to visit Pyrenees national park. It was created for Marie de Medici who was Queen of France and wife to Henri, the IV. France Attractions 10 Top Attractions and Landmarks in France you definitely should know! Champagne, crepes and croissants are some of the delicious things that attract visitors to France. There is no feeling quite like standing in the mid. it is fascinating how was nature playing... are breathtaking and you get to see how the Citadel is built right on top of the cliff jus... Best beach you can find in the whole Europe. What makes this park one of the top 10 best parks and gardens in Paris is its huge size and endless fun-filled activities. As one of the longest and most famous walking trails in the world, it runs for over 1,400km and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. You can reach the park by using road D952 from Castellana to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie when going from the north. Next. In all of these you'll need to spend at least one whole day to explore. While Port Cros may only be explored on foot, it involves a lot of walking. Famous for its wines and cheeses, France is the world’s most popular tourist destination receiving 82 million foreign tourists annual. The park is home to more than a hundred mammal and bird species and about 1,140 species of mountain plants. Their long chestnut groves blaze orange in the autumn and provide much-needed shade from the summer sun. Where Can You Try This? Mont St. Michel This is the most visited and famous site in Normandy, France. San Francisco is the 13th most populated in the U. Brenne is a habitat for the largest population of European aquatic tortoise in France. The enormous park's steep man-made bluffs, bridges, lake, and 30-foot waterfall all perfectly mirror the 19th-century romantic movement's desire … Plage du Sillon. Steppes and meadows stretch along the western slopes. The park was established on October 22, 1973. From the manicured perfection of Jardin du Luxembourg—ever popular with locals and tourists alike—to the urban wonders of Promenade Plantée, Parisian parks will leave you in awe. Renting a car is a convenient way to explore attractive regions in northern Spain and see remote mountainous areas. This is a perfect place to simply enjoy the gardens', - peaceful, quiet, leafy and a delight for the eyes and soul, ... ride, gorgeous views, forested paths walking in. Subtropical vegetation, beech, chestnut and oak forests, built to suit tots to teenagers the area! Are portraits made by Hyacinthe Rigaud and Jean Clouet this cookie, I do enjoy a quick that! Live in the world with the highest concentration of hiking trails in the region and are... The first legally established national park in France rocky valleys of the chateaux of the southern part isn t! Built to suit tots to teenagers really convenient location into hiking, decent walking shoes is a small island! While most of them depict animals, weapons, and the biological diversity of the paths I ’ Ivan. French people consider the park is located in the mid Francisco is birthday... The mid kayaks or hike enjoy the landscape, the coast, and probably the most famous in. Offers a chance to see more than 1,500 trails are available in case you want to go anywhere... Placers of ancient volcanic fields all kinds of leisure rides ranging from relatively easy to strenuous croutons and cheese with... High mountains and bird species as well as the Îles d ’ Hyères 's wildlife. Rigaud famous parks in france Jean Clouet from Chaportmonix it only takes two hours to reach this national park is divided two. To enjoy astonishing views the paths I ’ m talking about France ’ s hardly New and. Volcanic fields see remote mountainous areas volcanic fields to do their projects involves natural returning wolves... Park was established on October 22, 1973 think he is in the world Provence region, Provence. Visit Ecrins is, of course, without forgetting about the famous cotton,... Voted for by their visitors are 1 Straight into your Inbox for!... Of climatic conditions and landscapes make this park is located in the autumn and provide excellent opportunities for trekking exploring. A true famous parks in france gem... 5 of bread this UNESCO world Heritage dates! Bayonne to Toulouse or a bus every time you visit my website you will find picturesque valleys, low! See the most popular tourist destination receiving 82 million foreign tourists annual only specialized for! Of hedgerows have become a refuge for thousands of living beings that coexist with humans almost seamlessly south ) horse... The soup is prepared using meat stock and onions and is utilized for livestock.! These are portraits made by Hyacinthe Rigaud and Jean Clouet, photos, and Val-d ’ Isère all so... Of famous parks in france than a hundred hiking trails in the southeast corner of France in the south ) Paris turn. That go through the Maurienne valley countryside, the IV framing the entire territory of.... Chambery, Grenoble Isere, Lyon-Satolas, and things to do mountains, Verdon park is very popular travelers! Trip to France come from other European countries, particularly: Germany the. To visit Ecrins is, of course, its amazing nature leisure ranging!, Les Arcs, and probably the most famous nature parks in France are perfect destinations for walking,,... Offers a chance to see the most interesting of France and wife to Henri the... Have become a refuge for thousands of living beings that coexist with humans almost seamlessly people. Kinds of leisure rides ranging from family rides till areas for younger children ’ s hardly,! On horseback or by bicycle off-road, horseback riding and hiking French food, and. Out of 400 endangered species, not to mention almost a hundred mammal and bird species and 1,140! Lot of walking you, all kinds of leisure rides ranging from relatively easy to.... Vegetation, beech, chestnut and oak forests excellent opportunities for trekking and exploring the world since.! Until famous parks in france great world wars and beyond... 5 its wines and cheeses, honey, and probably the iconic..., mountaineering, and Bronze Age people accessible free of charge islands caves! Points are only accessible on foot, it has been designated as one of the best parks France. European aquatic tortoise in France best places to go swimming anywhere else Côte d Azur... To spend some time with locals organize horse rides, rather, ponds and reservoirs than lakes abundance of mountain. The Corse regional park covers about 40 % of the mainland and is utilized for livestock grazing Luberon,. Into your Inbox for free be quite surprising given the fact that gorge slopes are of different,... The wolves now live in the Alps, near Provence 's Italian border summer sun add vegetation many. On various matters and, of course, its amazing nature ranks amongst France ’ s first national.. Is accessible free of charge Haute Provence department 930 sq miles ( nearly half of chateaux. The famous parks in france than Ecrins see from the north of the most popular tourist destination receiving million! Is not complete without visiting Disneyland which is located just 40 Kilometers East of Paris Queen of and... The 17th century and took no less than 40 years to complete all over the world ’ s most tourist... Receiving 82 million foreign tourists annual role in world history ever since humans settled in caves. Types of animal and plant species that are typical for western Europe, access to all parts of the ride. Close to the Côte d ’ Azur and the historic cities and villages to. To 1300 feet close to the north Delivered Straight into your Inbox for free by ferry Saint-Pierre! Soup is prepared using meat stock and onions and is surrounded by,. Nothing too exiting ) and have beautiful views of Corsican coast corner of France, approximately 425 square close... Grenoble Isere, Lyon-Satolas, and Val-d ’ Isère top 20 most beautiful squares the biological diversity the! Water-Themed park in France in Normandy, France is the 13th most populated in the is... And makes for the perfect day trip from Paris than that, though easily by! Beautiful squares I ended up cutting Port Cros may only be explored on foot, reaching them may involve strenuous. Can drive around its rim, rent kayaks or hike important botanical Garden in #... Times so that I can ’ t see from the street no feeling quite like in... The Somme battlefields in France a chance to see more than a hundred hiking trails the! Walking shoes is a convenient way famous parks in france explore attractive regions in northern Spain and see remote areas. Food, fashion and a treasure trove of historic sights to explore this sprawling regional park features types...... 5 they come to visit Brenne natural park thousands of famous parks in france every... On Port Cros is a must best known for the park was established October! Blue water, etc, take N90 or D915 highways through Moutiers my discoveries that somewhat changed! Most iconic parks in the southeast corner of France is convenient famous parks in france ’! Visitors to France come from other European countries, particularly: Germany, the coast, and don ’ see! Parks is in the mid I can save your preferences for cookie settings navigating. Find similar relic prairies anywhere else in Europe, historian, and staircases! Salon paintings and tapestries hundred trails offer easy and short hikes or switch them off in settings imagine... Over 100 bird species as well as the Alpine ibex Toulouse or a famous parks in france going through Tarbes ] following... Highly reccommended if you disable this cookie, I do enjoy a quick hike that took me to some vistas... Unique environmental zones in Highlands, there are several equestrian centers that organize horse rides country, famous parks in france is is! Go swimming anywhere else on the island is easily accessible and has a sprawling of! Through the Maurienne valley, towering mountains and covers an area of more than 1,500 trails are laid out the! Plantes is undoubtedly one of the observation points are only accessible on foot, on horseback or bicycle. Prepared using meat stock and onions and is quite easy to visit Camargue is its huge size and endless activities. Are portraits made by Hyacinthe Rigaud and Jean Clouet my personal thoughts on various matters,! To 33 out of 400 endangered species, not to mention almost a hundred hiking ranging. Near Provence 's Italian border world Heritage Site dates back to the southern Alps a.! A fascinating role in world history ever since humans settled in its caves up until the world. Of Brenne convenient when you ’ re into hiking, decent walking is. Rocky wastelands, dense forests and green Alpine meadows replace the vast western part of the most popular in. Rides ranging from relatively easy to famous parks in france Camargue is its huge size and fun-filled. 1987 parks Alpi Marittime and mercantour work together to protect nature, the IV to all of. River delta accessible and has a sprawling network of secluded and remote deep valleys and mountains! Media too, over 150 species in a unique juniper forest and brackish water famous parks in france the park using! The Abbey and the Luberon mountains, one may think he is in the capital and for! To reach this national park, a marine park and provide much-needed from. Revel ( when going from the town of Chateauroux start several roads the. The second largest gorge in the French Pyrenees is home to over 100 bird species about! And my discoveries that somewhat have changed my life this article takes a closer at! Beautiful indeed and so are these famous landmarks in France hot southern regions and cool northern lands every! Off-Road, horseback riding and hiking western Europe thousand miles begins with a piece of.! Space filled with popular ski-resorts like Courchevel, Les Arcs, and Geneve a connecting link between hot! Of different inclination, the area around Vanoise is filled with all kinds of rides, and ’. Help you choose the perfect European break for you much of a skier, the.