From the sea to the mountains, the Regional Nature Parks of the Alpilles, the Baronnies provençales, the Camargue, the Luberon, the Mont Ventoux, the Préalpes d'Azur, the Queyras, the Sainte-Baume and the Verdon are great places to discover. They are home to an exceptional biodiversity and are rich in cultural and historical heritage forged over the centuries.
A rich natural and cultural heritage
Lands of contrasts, territories sculpted by nature and landscaped by man, the Regional Nature Parks of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur form a patchwork of remarkable landscapes that change with the seasons.
In the Luberon, cedar forests, ochre cliffs and villages labelled as the Most Beautiful Villages in France dominate farmland, vineyards and olive groves. In the garrigue, an abbey, a borie, holm oaks; from the Provençal Baronnies to the Verdon, lavender fields in July, aiguiers and mazets; rice fields and herdsmen's huts in the Camargue; perched villages in the Préalpes d'Azur, a sacred forest conducive to contemplation in Sainte-Baume. In the high mountains, rich in gorges, lakes and rivers, the mountain pastures occupy the most space. To better understand how man has tamed these territories over the centuries, visit one of the ecotourism museums in the Camargue or Queyras and the olive groves of the Alpilles.
At nightfall, discover the breathtaking quality of the night sky in the Baronnies, the Luberon or the Préalpes d'Azur.
Naturalists in search of exceptional biodiversity
Alone or accompanied by a guide partner of the Parks, you will appreciate the multitude of natural areas where a fauna and flora composed of many rare or endemic species flourish. From the Greenland poppy to the martagon lily found in the Ventoux, not forgetting the aromatic herbs, the edelweiss and the saxifrages that grow in the Queyras, your sense of smell will be alerted. Be patient to catch a glimpse of the wild fauna of the Queyras, ibex or Lanza salamander, and the same in the Ventoux where chamois, mouflons and wolves roam, and in the autumn to hear the spectacular bellowing of the stag and then, pass by the Camargue for the flight of a pink flamingo at sunset.
There is no shortage of outdoor activities
Want to push yourself? Choose white water sports in the Queyras or the Verdon; its gorges form the largest canyon in Europe. In the Parc de la Sainte-Baume, spread your wings in a microlight or in free flight. In the Baronnies, the cliffs offer an exceptional setting for climbing. In the Queyras, cool cliffs in summer and ice falls for climbers. If you are keen on mountain biking or electric bikes, take the numerous routes of the Alpilles ridges, the Luberon and Verdon trails and climb the Mont Ventoux, where the sunrise is fabulous!
Are you fascinated by the bowels of the earth? Whether you are an amateur or an experienced caver, the Verdon and Sainte-Baume Parks offer you great experiences, as does the Préalpes d'Azur Park with its via souterrata. More accessible, a "dive" in the galleries of the old ochre mine of Bruoux in Luberon is within the reach of all. For those who like slow tourism, it is on horseback, on foot or by bike that the Camargue lands, marshes, ponds and rice fields display their authenticity with the bull and horse herds. With a little more height, discover the passes and valleys of the Queyras and spend a timeless night in a refuge.
Sunbathers and idlers
The beaches of the Camargue offer a range of blues between sea and sky, and whites between sand and foam. For those who love vastness, go and discover the wild beach of Piémanson in Salin-de-Giraud. Do you prefer rivers and lakes? Then the Verdon gorges are the place to put down your towel!
The know-how of flavours!
These parks have a long agricultural and pastoral tradition. They cultivate a gastronomic art of living recognised by numerous appellations, notably for olive oil and wine in the Alpilles and the Luberon; honey, truffles and saffron in the Ventoux and the Verdon; lime, apricots and lamb in the Provençal Baronnies; rice and PDO bull meat from the Camargue; nougat from the Ventoux. Not forgetting the cheeses, fruit, vegetables, cereals and produce from high altitudes. Flavours and nutritional qualities that restaurant owners use in their cooking and that you can take back with you in your luggage.
Useful information
When is it open? All year round. In Provence, spring and autumn are best. In summer, the mercury rises and access to the massifs is regulated. In winter, the climate is cool, sometimes windy, but the light is fantastic. In all seasons, enjoy the contrasts between snow and sun in the Queyras mountains.
How to get there. By plane, train or car, everything is possible.
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Duration. For a weekend, choose your atmosphere and focus on a park. A longer stay, from several days to several weeks, will guarantee you an escape and a patchwork of atmospheres.
Public. Naturalists, hikers, sportsmen and heritage lovers. Alone, in duo or with the family.
The pluses. The sunshine; the many walking and cycling routes; the heritage and agri/œnotourism circuits; the many traditions and lively craft skills.
The minuses. By misfortune, a day of rain or strong mistral in Provence.
Helpful. A network of more than 300 tourism professionals (accommodation providers, restaurateurs, tour site managers, guides, farmers, craftsmen) bearers of the Regional Nature Park Values mark who are committed to the development of sustainable and respectful tourism.
The "Chemins des Parcs" website and mobile app to explore the 9 Regional Nature Parks of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur on foot, by bike, mountain bike and horseback
A large Pacamobility and TER network to get around without a car.
In winter, white shuttles to access the ski resorts of Queyras.
Reception areas, Park Houses and tourist offices.
MA REGION SUD - More information on the site
VALEURS PARC NATUREL REGIONAL - More information on the site
CHEMINS DES PARCS - More informationon the website
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