SUMMARY FOR FRANCE:
• Total Parks: 11
• Parks Listed Below: Calanques, Cévennes, Écrins, Forests, Guadeloupe, Loire Valley, Mercantour, Port-Cros, Pyrenees, Réunion, Vanoise
• Average Country Rating: 67/100
PARK NAME: Calanques
Country: France
Park ID: 118
AVERAGE RATING: 62/100
Review Volume: Low number of reviews
DESCRIPTION:
The Calanques National Park features dramatic limestone cliff formations along the Mediterranean coast. The park encompasses both land and marine areas, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and hidden coves. It is known for its unique biodiversity and spectacular hiking trails.
DESCRIPTION:
The Cévennes National Park is known for its diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, and plateaus. It is one of the few inhabited national parks in France, with traditional farming still practiced. The park is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve.
DESCRIPTION:
The Écrins National Park is a mountainous area featuring high peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows. It contains over 100 peaks above 3,000 meters and numerous glaciers. The park is a paradise for mountaineering, hiking, and wildlife observation.
DESCRIPTION:
The Forêts National Park protects vast stretches of deciduous forest and is home to diverse wildlife. It represents one of the largest continuous woodlands in France. The park is known for its ancient oak forests and rich cultural heritage.
DESCRIPTION:
The Guadeloupe National Park is a tropical paradise featuring the active La Soufrière volcano and lush rainforests. It protects unique Caribbean ecosystems and biodiversity. The park offers numerous hiking trails and waterfalls in a tropical setting.
DESCRIPTION:
The Loire Valley is a remarkable cultural landscape along France's longest river. The area features historic towns, architectural monuments, and many châteaux built during the Renaissance and Age of Enlightenment. The valley's rich agricultural land includes historic vineyards that produce world-renowned wines.
DESCRIPTION:
The Mercantour National Park is known for its diverse landscapes from Mediterranean to alpine zones. It features the Valley of Marvels with prehistoric rock engravings. The park is home to numerous species including ibex and wolves.
DESCRIPTION:
Port-Cros National Park is France's first marine national park, protecting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The park encompasses the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles. It is renowned for its pristine underwater environments and Mediterranean flora.
DESCRIPTION:
The Pyrénées National Park spans the French side of the Pyrenees mountains. It features dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife including the Pyrenean chamois. The park is famous for its hiking trails and spectacular mountain scenery.
DESCRIPTION:
The Réunion National Park covers the central area of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. It features active volcanoes, including Piton de la Fournaise, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique biodiversity.
DESCRIPTION:
The Vanoise National Park was France's first national park, established to protect alpine ibex. It features high mountain landscapes, glaciers, and traditional alpine pastures. The park is connected to Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park, forming a large protected area.