Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AREAS OF NATURAL BEAUTY
1. THE CAMARGUE
A landscape of lagoons, marshes, wild bulls and Europe's only cowboys (for further
details see
The Camargue
).
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2. PARC NATIONAL DU MERCANTOUR
Mercantour National Park, sprawling over 700 sq km (270 sq miles), is one of
Europe's largest and its rocky slopes are home to rare species including chamois,
ibex, moufflon and marmot. Golden eagles and the rare lammergeier vulture soar
above the peaks (for further details see
Vallée des Merveilles and Musée des Mer-
Google Map
3. PARC NATUREL REGIONAL DU LUBERON
The Luberon region contains a wide range of habitats. The northern mountains are
wild and exposed, while the central massif shelters the southern slopes, creating a
gentler environment. Moorland, cedar forest, chalk hills and deep river gorges shel-
ter wild boar, eagles, owls and beavers (for further details see
Parc Naturel Région-
Google Map
4. PARC NATIONAL DE PORT-CROS
Port-Cros is the smallest of the Iles d'Hyères, and the national park protects the de-
lightful island and 18 sq km (7 sq miles) of sea around it from the development that
has overtaken so much of the coast. On land, it shelters beautiful butterflies and rare
sea birds, and there is excellent scuba diving and snorkelling (for further details see
Google Map
