France Nature: 6 Parks and Natural Wonders
map viewFrance's nature and gardens are as varied as its regions, and this page gathers six favourites. On the Normandy coast, the white cliffs and arches of Étretat drop straight into the Channel. Near Arcachon Bay, the Dune of Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe, and in the Dordogne, the Marqueyssac Gardens are famous for their hand-clipped boxwood. In Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens and the Tuileries are classic places for a walk, and ZooParc de Beauval in the Loire Valley is one of the most popular zoos in France. May to September is the best time to go.
Beauval Zoo, France
Beauval Zoo is one of the largest and most renowned zoological parks in Europe.
Etretat cliffs, Normandy, France
Dramatic cliffs and sea arches forming one of the most iconic coastal landscapes in France.
Marqueyssac Gardens, France
Elegant clifftop gardens with sculpted boxwood and wide views over the Dordogne Valley.
Dune of Pilat / Arcachon Bay, Bordeaux, France
Dune du Pilat is the largest sand dune in Europe
Luxembourg Palace & Medici Gardens, Paris
An palace located almost in the center of Paris on the territory of a green Medici Garden.
Jardin des Tuileries Garden, Paris
Beautiful park with sculptures and fountains in Paris, located between the Louvre, the Seine River, and Place de la Concorde.
Nature spots in France on the map
Numbers match the ranking above. Click a pin to open the place.
Best time to visit parks & nature spots in France
When sightseeing is most pleasant: comfortable 18–26 °C daytime temperatures and more dry days. Averaged over 6 places.
ERA5 climate data 2015–2024 (Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), averaged for 6 places on this page.
More to explore
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Germany9
Italy8
Norway7
Ukraine7
Malta6
Slovakia6
Turkey6