21 Amazing nature reserves in France: A Journey Worth Taking
Join us on a journey to unlock France’s secrets with 21 nature reserves. Explore 21 amazing nature reserves or the best 21 nature reserves in France. Let’s discover 21 best nature reserves or hidden nature reserves in France. Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive list of destinations in France.
Information about France
France is a unique European country that has many qualities that make it a global tourist destination, including its many famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, and because it is a country of arts and romance, you will find many amazing museums and art galleries such as the Musée d’Orsay, and in addition to all that, its nature is wonderful Also, do not forget to go to the small villages that are interspersed with picturesque rivers, forests and lakes when you come to France. France is located in Western Europe, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, specifically the Bay of Biscay, as well as the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel. It is one of the countries with a long history, as it was in the nineteenth century the second largest empire in the world, and many ancient civilizations passed through it, When you roam around this country, you will see many monuments and evidence left by those civilizations. Including Palais Garnier, Victory Square, and many others.
A list of the best Nature reserves in France
Discover the top nature reserves destinations in France with our hand-picked list, chosen with care by our expert team based on the feedback and ratings from previous visitors. Let us help you plan the perfect trip.
1- Scandola Nature Reserve
Scandola Nature Reserve – Established in 1975, the Scandola Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site on the island of Corsica; The reserve covers nearly 900 hectares of land and 1,000 hectares of sea, and provides exceptional natural scenes, as it is one of the wonderful natural wonders that you will discover in Corsica; It is worth noting that there is no way to enter Scandola by car and entering on foot involves crossing very tall mountains, so the only way to enjoy the splendor of this coastline is to take a boat ride from Calvi, often from the vicinity of the port.
Place address: Maison de la Mer, Route du Port, 20245 Galéria, France
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2- Corsica Regional Natural Park
Corsica Regional Natural Park – Corsica’s Regional Natural Park extends over an area of 350,510 hectares, which is about 40% of the island’s area; This reserve preserves the forests and mountain massifs of the central part of the island, as well as some famous sites such as the Col di Pavila pass, the mountain lakes, the nature reserve of Scandola and the Restonica gorges; This park is a paradise for those who love nature and beautiful landscapes and who love hiking.
Place address: 34 Cr Paoli, 20250 Corte, France
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3- Calanque de Morgiou
Calanque de Morgiou – The Calanque de Morgeu is one of the parts of the National Park in Marseille, and many tourists and residents go to it through walking paths that enable you to see distinctive and amazing views and landscapes. It is also famous as an old fishing port and there are still many fishermen in that area, so it must From going there with friends and family to enjoy the turquoise waters and take amazing pictures.
Place address: Calanque de Morgiou, France
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4- Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve
Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve – You can now discover the charming world of mountain animals and plants in this region, through the tours and paths provided by the place, in which there are many guides who will help you discover and collect various information about animals, plants and rocks in the region, with more than charming views so that the view takes you to a world Another getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Place address: Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, Maison de Village, 74400 Argentières, France
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5- Port-Cros National Park
Port-Cros National Park – Port Cross National Park is considered as a small paradise that embraces the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It includes the islands of Port Cross and Pagod, and covers 700 hectares of dry land and 1288 hectares of sea level. It was established in 1963, and is characterized by its picturesque coastlines, transparent bays and cliffs. Exotic rocks, beautiful sandy beaches and green oak forests that hikers can enjoy walking through during their trip. This park is also rich in exceptional plant life, as it is home to more than 600 species of plants and 500 species of algae, and includes no less than 144 species of birds and 180 kind of fish.
Place address: 83400 Hyères, France
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6- Calanque d’En-Vau
Calanque d’En-Vau – The Calanques d’En Vaux is the most exciting area of the national park, as it is one of the most secluded coves. Swimming in it is a wonderful and unique experience, and it can only be reached by walking or by boating; A kayaker’s paradise, it is also home to a few wild boars which occasionally swim among the tourists and lie on the beach, not to be fed as they can become aggressive!
Place address: 13009 Marseille, France
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7- Roc de Chere National Nature Reserve
Roc de Chere National Nature Reserve – Roc de Cher National Nature Reserve is famous for a wooded rocky outcrop that dominates Lake Annecy and is surrounded by a quadruple glacier and a variety of limestone cliffs, sandstone hills, valleys and swamps. The nature reserve covers 68 hectares and is home to many animal species that include amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects and butterflies. And others, in addition to a wide range of different plants.
Place address: 258 Sentier du Clos de Chère, 74290 Talloires-Montmin, France
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8- Bout du lac d’Annecy National Nature Reserve
Bout du lac d’Annecy National Nature Reserve – Lake Annecy Tip National Nature Reserve consists of a rare area still preserved on the shores of Lake Annecy, and provides a wonderful opportunity to discover nature in the heart of a semi-urban area. Reeds, meadows and alkaline peat bogs have an ecosystem suitable for housing a large number of common and rare animal or plant species.
Place address: Réserve Naturelle Marais du Bout du Lac d’Annecy, 74210 Doussard, France
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9- Merlet Animal Park
Merlet Animal Park – Perched 1,500 meters above the Chamonix Valley, Merlite Zoo offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mont Blanc mountain range. This park invites you to indulge and walk in a vast area dedicated to animals, discovering many old mountain chalets along the way, do not miss this The ultimate adventure while you are in Chamonix.
Place address: 2495 Chem. de Merlet, 74310 Les Houches, France
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10- Ile Saint Louis
Ile Saint Louis – Located off the top of the Île de la Cité just behind Notre-Dame, Ile Saint-Louis is a wonderful little island in Paris, with its cobbled quarters of many quiet shops, cafés and restaurants. Which provides you with the opportunity to eat delicious dishes, and you can also try delicious ice cream and take a walk in the beautiful paths of this island.
Place address: Île Saint-Louis, 75004 Paris, France
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11- Calanque de Port-Miou
Calanque de Port-Miou – natural sanctuary for ships, the Calanques de Port Mieu is a wonderful place with many freshwater springs immersed in turquoise waters, all surrounded by a wonderful pine forest. GR 98) which runs along the Marseille Calanques for six to eight hours on foot, if you are nearby do not miss visiting it to enjoy great times.
Place address: 50 Av. des Calanques, 13260 Cassis, France
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12- Camargue Natural Regional Park
Camargue Natural Regional Park – The Camargue Regional Natural Park, a very beautiful area to visit, which is a reserve that was designated in the year 1970 AD along the Camargue coast in France. Descent from Roman times, and bulls in the midst of magnificent natural wonders, the park protects the wetland environment and the adjacent marine area. The park is twinned with the Spanish Wetlands of the Doñana National Park at the mouth of the Guadalquivir. Where the two parks share a number of characteristics, including the importance of bird life and semi-wild horses, it is a great place for recreation and spending the most enjoyable times, definitely worth a visit.
Place address: Camargue Natural Regional Park, Mas du pont de Rousty, RD 570, 13200 Arles, France
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13- A Cupulatta
A Cupulatta – AH Coppolata is the largest European theme park showcasing different water turtle species such as Corsican tortoise, Seychellois giant tortoise, Galapagos giant tortoise, Crocodile tortoise etc. 150 species are presented in a protected natural environment! It is worth noting that there are many cafes and restaurants that serve snacks, ice cream and drinks.
Place address: T20, 20172 Vero, France
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14- House of Nature
House of Nature – The Nature House in Montpellier is a garden and a free nature reserve that provides local citizens and tourists with a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation amidst the picturesque nature with diverse terrains of water, trees, roses, wide green spaces, and the presence of many types of birds that give the place a special charm The Nature House is characterized by many sessions equipped with seats and facilities suitable for human use, which facilitate spending long times there comfortably.
Place address: House of Nature, Chemin des Étangs, 34970 Lattes, Montpellier, France
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15- Calanque de Sormiou
Calanque de Sormiou – Calanques de Sormeux is the largest in the National Park and undoubtedly has one of the most beautiful beaches; Tourists and residents often go to it by walking in walking paths designated for that area and along which visitors enjoy wonderful views of the bay and natural areas, and it is worth noting that there is a large parking lot and an elevated restaurant with stunning views near the beach, so if you are in Marseille do not miss visiting this area To spend beautiful times with your family.
Place address: Calanque de Sormiou, France
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16- Pointe de Givet National Nature Reserve
Pointe de Givet National Nature Reserve – Pointe de Gift National Nature Reserve is located on the border of Belgium at the northern end of the Ardennes region. It was established in 1999. It extends over an area of more than 354 hectares, and protects a variety of flora and fauna. A multifaceted landscape that includes forests, swamps, dry meadows, and magnificent rocky cliffs.
Place address: 08000 Charleville-Mézières, France
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17- Barails Ecological Reserve
Barails Ecological Reserve – Paray Ecological Reserve is the largest green area in Bordeaux. The reserve offers beautiful botanical collections in several gardens, including a rose garden with more than 500 varieties of roses, a peony garden and a vineyard with 96 varieties of blue grapes imported from all over the world; It also includes the Bordeaux Forest and the Floral Park, and it is worth noting that there are many paths that provide a natural environment and wonderful views for pedestrians and sports enthusiasts.
Place address: Av. de Pernon, 33300 Bordeaux, France
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18- Lez Reserve
Lez Reserve – Lis Reserve is a natural area close to the zoo in Montpellier, France, and includes many diverse trees and plants; Tourists and residents visit it to relax, picnic, or go hiking. There is a beautiful and calm atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are near, you can visit it with your family.
Place address: Rue de Ferran, 34090 Montpellier, France
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19- Regional Nature Reserve of The Pibeste-Aoulhet Massif
Regional Nature Reserve of The Pibeste-Aoulhet Massif – Pepest Ouellette Regional Nature Reserve is the largest reserve in mainland France at 5,110 hectares and is a true gem of biodiversity and home to hundreds of plant and animal species, including the rarest and most endangered in France and Europe, such as the Bearded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Iridium Maniskau and more And what this reserve includes in terms of plant and animal wealth and stunning landscapes will amaze nature lovers.
Place address: Maison de la réserve, 2bis Avenue du Lavedan, 65400 Agos-Vidalos, France
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20- Ardennes Regional Nature Park
Ardennes Regional Nature Park – The Ardennes Regional Natural Park is located in the north of the Ardennes region, covering an area of 117,200 hectares, and includes five natural units, which are the Ardennes Heights, part of the French Gift, the Rocroix Plateau, the Surmon Valley, and the Ardennes Tierach. It is an ideal destination for outdoor recreational activities such as walking, cycling, climbing, horse riding, fishing and canoeing.
Place address: Route de Sécheval, D140, 08150 Renwez, France
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21- Rohrschollen Island National Nature Reserve
Rohrschollen Island National Nature Reserve – Located on the banks of the Rhine, 10 kilometers southeast of Strasbourg city centre, the Ruhrschöllen Island National Nature Reserve is a beautiful alluvial forest with its rare ecosystem. If you are a nature lover, do not miss visiting it with your friends.
Place address: 67100 Strasbourg, France
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Conclusion
As your journey through France comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make France such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!