When visiting the French parks, you can fully enjoy the benefits of mountains, sea, and vast natural spaces. From the Alps to the Pyrenees, from the Cevennes to the Mediterranean and the forests in the east: Immerse yourself in the “expanded reality” of captivating nature.
The eight national parks in France offer countless leisure activities: from sports for the whole family, with a touch of excitement if desired, to tracking and observing animals, to leisurely beach walks — everything is possible. Each park offers emotionally intense moments away from the tourist crowds. After the long months of lockdown, nothing beats a trip to these pristine worlds to reconnect with nature, to rediscover oneself and the environment.
1. On a Via Ferrata in Vanoise Park
Welcome to the oldest national park in France! Established in 1963, this 535 km² alpine park has around 100 peaks over 3000 m high. There are many steep rock faces, some even equipped with metal ladders, suspension bridges, and ropes. Accompany a mountain guide from the “Maison des Guides de Haute-Maurienne Vanoise” and tackle one of the 21 Via Ferrata routes in the area: the Devil’s Via Ferrata in Aussois with its “Descente aux Enfers” — literally, the descent into hell — or the Andagne in Bessans with its dizzying finale!
vanoise-parcnational.fr / maisondesguides.net
2. Relaxing Beach Days in Port-Cros Park
How about exploring this protected archipelago off the coast of Hyères? This park is dedicated to preserving a 2900 ha marine area with unique biodiversity, including 1700 ha of land, namely the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. And on these islands… there are beaches! From the village of Porquerolles, you can walk to the more intimate beach with pine and oak forests in an hour. The white Langoustier beach in the north is less shady but equally pleasant. The beautiful and largest Port-Man beach on Port-Cros is only accessible via a two-hour walk. The price for absolute tranquillity.
