Calanques National Park

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region depicts a land where architecture narrates a thousand years of history between sea and mountains. From the 12th-century Cistercian abbeys to the brutalist experiments of Le Corbusier, this area features an exceptional built heritage shaped by Mediterranean light. You can find fortresses perched on rocky promontories, Romanesque monasteries where Van Gogh depicted his struggles, and contemporary museums that interact with the blue of the Mediterranean. Vineyards contain large-scale sculptures, the perched villages of Luberon display their medieval architecture in light stone, and Belle Époque villas in Cap d'Antibes mark the golden age of the Riviera. Between the limestone cliffs of the Calanques and the alpine valleys carved with prehistoric signs, Provençal architecture follows the contours of the land, capturing shadow and warmth, blending tradition and modernity. From the port of Marseille to the hanging gardens of Èze, each building bears the mark of a region where Cistercian builders, military engineers, visionary artists, and contemporary architects have inscribed their visions in stone, concrete, and landscape.

France contains protected areas with diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The national parks include alpine regions with peaks exceeding 3000 meters, glaciers and mountain lakes, Mediterranean coastlines with limestone cliffs and marine reserves, and island zones with underwater trails. Regional nature parks feature volcanic areas with 80 extinct volcanoes, extensive wetlands with thousands of ponds hosting over 200 bird species, moorland landscapes in the Ardennes, and coastal zones with lagoons and salt marshes. These protected areas shelter ibex, chamois, marmots, lynx and birds of prey. Visitors find marked hiking trails, historic villages and traditional farming operations.

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.

France offers diverse winter destinations spanning both urban and natural landscapes. The Alpine regions contain several ski areas, including Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at the base of Western Europe's highest peak, Les Trois Vallées with its extensive network of runs, and L'Alpe d'Huez at elevations above 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). The Aiguille du Midi provides access to high alpine views through a cable car system, while Lake Annecy presents a winter landscape within the Savoie Alps. Cities across the country display their historical architecture during the colder months. Strasbourg Christmas Market transforms the city center into a seasonal gathering place, Nancy presents the 18th-century Place Stanislas, and Paris maintains structures including Sainte-Chapelle and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Beyond the capital, Versailles Palace stands with its formal gardens, Château de Chambord occupies the Loire Valley, and the Palais des Papes remains in Avignon. The Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral shows 13th-century Gothic architecture, while Mont Saint-Michel stays accessible on its tidal island. Additional sites include the Roman-era Nîmes Arena, Pont du Gard, and the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. The Grotte de Lascaux displays prehistoric art, while Les Eyzies de Tayac holds archaeological sites. Southern regions such as the Calanques near Marseille, Gorges du Verdon, Grande Plage in Biarritz, and Cap d'Ail Beach provide access to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, even during winter months.

The route connects Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, the old port and Calanques National Park with historical buildings. The locations display the maritime history, urban architecture and coastal landscape of Marseille.