Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park, Regional natural park in Lower Normandy, France.
Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park covers forested areas, meadows, and river landscapes spread across four French departments. The protected area comprises around 164 municipalities with diverse habitats and landscape types.
The park was established in 1975 to protect natural environments and support sustainable development in the region. Its creation was part of a broader effort to preserve at-risk landscapes from overuse.
Local residents practice traditional craftsmanship and farming methods that shape the rural character of the region. You can see older stone buildings and farms throughout the territory that reflect how people have lived here for generations.
Information centers throughout the park offer maps, trail recommendations, and educational materials about local ecology. Visitors can find guidance on navigation and advice about the best times to explore different areas.
Within the park lies La Carrière des Vaux, one of France's smallest nature reserves. This tiny reserve demonstrates that nature protection can happen at any scale and that overlooked habitats often hold value.
Location: Orne
Inception: 1975
Email: info@parc-normandie-maine.fr
Website: http://parc-naturel-normandie-maine.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.49000,-0.22139
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41
France maintains eleven national parks and dozens of regional nature parks that protect diverse landscapes from the Mediterranean coast to the Alps. The protected areas preserve mountains, coastlines, wetlands, volcanic formations and forests. They provide habitat for various wildlife and plant species while offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and other outdoor activities. The Parc National des Écrins and Vanoise National Park lie in the French Alps, featuring alpine terrain with glaciers and mountain lakes. Mercantour National Park stretches from the Maritime Alps to the Mediterranean coast. Calanques National Park near Marseille protects limestone cliffs and inlets. Cévennes National Park in Occitanie encompasses forested mountains and plateaus. Coastal areas such as Port-Cros and Camargue preserve Mediterranean ecosystems and wetlands. The Volcans d'Auvergne in the Massif Central protects extinct volcanoes and lava fields, while parks like Morvan and Ballons des Vosges preserve forested mid-elevation ranges.
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Castle of Carrouges
9.2 km
Château de la Motte
22.5 km
Mont des Avaloirs
7.2 km
Château d'O
28.8 km
Sées Cathedral
31.8 km
Castle of Lassay
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Abbaye Blanche
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Mayenne's Castle
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Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon
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Evron Abbey
39.5 km
Manoir de la Saucerie
38.2 km
Château du Rocher
37.2 km
Château de Bonnétable
58.7 km
Château de Montecler
43.3 km
Abbaye Saint-Martin de Sées
31.9 km
Abbaye de Lonlay
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Château de Hauteville
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Butte Chaumont
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Château de Chèreperrine
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Château de Foulletorte
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Thermes de Bagnoles-de-l'Orne
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