Port-Cros National Park France Travel Magnet

Port-Cros National Park, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the French Riviera, is one of France's most pristine and protected natural areas. Established in 1963, it was the country’s first marine national park, and remains a model for sustainable conservation in both land and sea. The park encompasses the entire island of Port-Cros, one of the three main islands in the Îles d'Hyères, as well as surrounding marine zones and parts of neighboring islands. With no cars, few buildings, and strict environmental regulations, the island has maintained its wild character—home to windswept forests, rugged cliffs, and secluded coves. Port-Cros is particularly famous for its exceptional marine biodiversity. Its waters are a haven for sea bass, groupers, moray eels, and posidonia seagrass meadows, making it a top destination for snorkeling and diving. On land, visitors can explore fortified hiking trails that pass through pine forests, coastal scrub, and the ruins of centuries-old fortresses. The entire island operates under a strict preservation ethos—there are no large-scale developments, and tourism is carefully managed to protect fragile ecosystems. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, hiker, or underwater explorer, Port-Cros offers a rare glimpse into the Mediterranean as it once was: wild, peaceful, and teeming with life.