Created over 50 years ago, in 1963, it is the second-oldest natural park in France and the biggest aquatic reserve in Europe. Originally focused solely on Port-Cros, the Park has also included Porquerolles for several years. It offers a protected natural space, on both land and sea, providing a real haven for sea life and birds.
The park has various roles: to protect, but also to explain, educate and communicate, displaying the natural heritage through the fauna, flora and landscapes, as well as historical and architectural heritage. It has a considerable historical heritage: Roman remains, around 30 shipwrecks and around 20 forts and military batteries. It offers hiking trails and activities. On Porquerolles, the Maison du Parc and its garden are open to the public. Close by is the National Botanical Conservatory, tasked with protecting wild flora.
The Park also looks after various natural spaces acquired by the Conservatoire du Littoral (Coastal Protection), such as the Giens peninsula, the Hyères salt marshes, the Cap Lardier etc. Finally, the Park leads the PELAGOS Sanctuary for marine mammals in the Mediterranean.
See everything offered by the National Park