France Nature & Wildlife
In total, there are 9 national parks in France. There are found mainly in the southern half of the mainland, as well as in overseas territories like Corsica, Reunion and Guadalupe. These national parks have been given special conservation status due to their natural beauty and wildlife as well as cultural significance. They attract over 7 million visitors a year.
Les Écrins National Park is the largest park in the country. Established in 1973, it covers an area of 92,000 hectares. There are many natural reserves within the park’s borders. Les Écrins is home to some incredible alpine scenery with more than 100 mountain peaks over 3,000 m (9842.52 ft) in altitude. The highest is Bane des Écrins which stands at 4,102 m (13458.01 ft). One of the features of the park that makes it popular with tourists is the hiking trails that provide varying levels of difficulty to suit many different skill levels.
Pyrenees National Park was designated a national park in 1967 as a natural heritage site without barriers or fences, allowing animals to wander freely. It is located along the border of France and Spain and covers an area of over 45,000 hectares. The eastern part of the park forms part of the French section of Pyrénées Mount Perdu World Heritage Site. Elevations in the park run from 1,068 m (3,478 ft) to 3,298 m (10,820 ft). Species include the lynx, brown bears and several types of birds of prey.
Vanoise National Park is an extremely popular park with over 500 km of marked paths. It was designated as a protected place in 1963, becoming the first national park in the country. The park is located on the eastern end of the Vanoise Massif with the Italian side of the park continuing into Gran Paradiso National Park. Species such as the alpine lynx, chamois, wolves, mountain hares and more than 100 types of birds call the park home.
France Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to France.
Learn about the history and culture of France, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about France's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering France for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our France tours today!
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