The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region has four Natural Regional Parks and part of one National Park within its borders. There are mountains, marshland, rolling hills perfect for hiking, lakes, rivers, and a myriad of outdoor activities. Punctuated by villages, idyllic campsites, and picnic areas. The regional and national parks of Nouvelle-Aquitaine make for wonderful family vacation destinations.
Parc Naturel Régional du Marais Poitevin
Deux-Sèvres / Charente-Maritime
Known as ‘The Green Venice’ because of the duckweed covered canals, the Marais Poitevin Regional Park is a real credit to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. With wet marshes, dry marshland, and lots of canals, it is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, and using the traditional punting boats called barques.
Intensive farming has encroached on the park in recent times, with it losing the official park status at one point. But the more people that know about this stunning area of natural beauty and importance, the easier it will be to keep it protected. The Marais Poitevin is not far from the cities of La Rochelle and Niort.
Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park
Haute-Vienne / Dordogne
In between the meteor crater of Rochechouart and the gorgeous river town of Brantôme sits the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park. On the edge of the crater made by a meteor hitting earth over 200 million years ago, there are rocky promontories visible at the Rochechouart side of the park.
The rest of the park is somewhat more gentile, with an abundance of rolling pastures, quaint villages and tranquil vistas.
Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin
Haute-Vienne / Creuse / Corrèze
The gentle rolling hills and winding creeks of the Millevaches Natural Regional Park in Limousin are a world away from the busy coastal parks. This part of France moves at a much slower pace, you see. The walks and activities in this regional park are great for kids and families looking for quiet and safe adventures.
Parc naturel régional des Landes de Gascogne
Gironde / Landes
The Natural Regional Park of Landes and Gascogne covers a vast area from Bordeaux down to Dax, along the Atlantic coast. Popular spots within this regional park include the Dune of Pilat, Lacanau Océan, and the bird reserve at Bassin d’Arcachon.
Pyrénées National Park
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
One tiny corner of the Pyrénées National Park sits in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. This mountainous national park runs right to the Spanish border. The highest train in Europe, the Petit Train d’Artouste, is an excellent way to explore the park. Taking in the breathtaking ravines and mountain views of the Ossau Valley, this tourist train runs from 24th May – 28th September every year.
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Always love learning about “new to me” parks and wilderness places where there is potential for active adventure. Had to check out the link for barques – sounds like something I need to try out one day soon – thx for the tip!
The Barque rides are one of my favourite things to do in summer – just magical!
Each of these parks has inspired me to want to visit the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region this summer – Green Venice looks so serene. Well, they all do! Thanks so much for sharing.
The Marais Poitevin is one of France’s absolute treasures indeed!
I’m always amazed by the countryside in France. These National and Regional Parks just reinforce that! I don’t think I’ll be able to get here anytime soon, but it’s been added to my list.
That tourist train along the Spanish border sounds so cute! It was great to learn about some non-Paris-or-South-of-France parts of France 🙂