Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park, Regional natural park in Northern Vosges mountains, France
Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park is a protected area in the Vosges mountains between Moselle and Bas-Rhin, covering green hills and sandstone rock formations. The park includes forests, open meadows, and small villages nestled within a rolling landscape.
The protected area was established in 1975 to preserve the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the region. Later, in 1989, it gained UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and became part of an international conservation network.
The territory is dotted with medieval fortresses and citadels that sit within the landscape and speak to centuries of settlement. Glassmaking and traditional craftsmanship remain part of village life today and can be seen in small workshops throughout the region.
The area is crisscrossed by a dense network of marked trails suitable for walking, cycling, or horseback riding through the landscape. The best time to visit is from May through October, when weather is stable and trails are most easily accessible.
This territory shares biosphere reserve status with Germany's Pfälzerwald nature reserve across the border, making it a transnational conservation area. This rare international arrangement allows connected ecosystems on both sides of the border to be protected as one system.
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