Port-Cros National Park (French: Parc national de Port-Cros) is a French national park established on the Mediterranean island of Port-Cros, east of Toulon. It also administers natural areas in some surrounding locales.
History
The park was founded in 1963 after the island of Port-Cros was bequeathed to the state; it became France's second national park after Vanoise National Park. The state is the sole land owner on the island, which is a natural protected area. The park's boundaries were extended in 2012 to encompass most of Porquerolles.
Geography
Port-Cros National Park is the first national park in Europe that unites terrestrial and maritime protection zones. The protected area is about 1,700 hectares of land and 2,900 hectares of sea at a 600 metre (656 yard) zone from the coast. Most of the area of the main islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles are protected, as well as the small islands of Bagaud, Gabinière and Rascas. Until 2012, about 1,000 hectares of land on the island of Porquerolles had since 1971 been under the national park's administration (Conservatoire Botanique National Méditerranéen de Porquerolles).
Getting there
There are several ways to reach the national park. The easiest way is to catch the boat from the Hyères port. There are plenty of boats leaving the port during the main season and you will pay approximately 28 EUR for a roundtrip.
When to visit
The primary seasons to visit the park is during the warmer months. There is very little activity during winter and it can be difficult to reach the park during this time. The most popular time to visit is during summer.
Map of Port-Cros National Park
Image gallery of Port-Cros National Park
Visitor/Information centres in Port-Cros National Park
Most national parks have an associated visitor centre to help visitors. They are usually open most of the year but some close in the off-season. You will often be able to find information on all the activities in the national park. A visit to the visitor centre is often recommended before venturing into the park.
Wildlife in Port-Cros National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Mushroom hunting in Port-Cros National Park
There are not much information to be found on mushroom hunting in Port-Cros National Park. Be sure to speak to the local authorities about your plans and they should be able to guide you.
Mushroom hunting is very popular in France and the local enjoy this activity all over the country during late summer and fall. Mushrooms always belong to the owner of the land. You should therefore make sure to know the property you are planning to forage on.
You should always remember to respect the following rules when foraging in France:
Camping rules in Port-Cros National Park
The laws on wild camping in France is somewhat of a grey area. You are allowed to camp with the permission of the landowner or a tenant of the land. The rules in national parks are more restrictive and you should generally not wild camp within the park borders. You can always explain your plans to the local authorities and get advice on where and how to camp.
Bears in Port-Cros National Park
No bears in the park
This national park has no bears and you do not need to take precautions.
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