What is a Regional Nature Park?

A Regional Nature Park (RNP) is an exceptional yet fragile area that the State has decided to classify and protect, both in order to showcase it and to meet essential sustainability concerns. Along with the municipalities it’s composed of, it commits to projects on environmental preservation, promotion of local knowhow, territorial anchoring and contributions to local economic and solidarity development. Find out more

How many Regional Nature Parks are there in Brittany?

Brittany contains 4 Regional Nature Parks. From north to south: the brand new Rance Valley-Emerald Coast, the Armorica Park (in Finistère, around the Crozon peninsula and the Arrée Mountains), the Gulf of Morbihan RNP, and last but not least, the Brière Park at the gates of Loire-Atlantique. The biggest? The Armorica Park, which covers some 125,000 hectares between land and sea.

Can you visit Regional Nature Parks freely?

Yes, RNPs aren’t “closed” parks; they’re living, inhabited areas accessible to the public. You can explore them on foot, by bike, on horseback or by boat, with due regard for the environment and their inhabitants of course.

What activities can you do in them?

When you’re in a Regional Nature Park, the idea is to experience it to the full. In movement. A multi-day hike is still the best way of immersing yourself if you’ve got the time: keeping on the move, seeing the landscapes change and encountering their inhabitants… In the Armorica Park, you might have a go at crossing the Arrée Mountains, for example. But depending where you are, you can also pedal, paddle a kayak or combine activities. In need of inspiration? Take a look at our 5 ideas for making the utmost of Breton RNPs .

What’s the best time of year to visit the Parks?

PNRs are magnificent all year round , but: In spring and autumn , the colours are at their most sublime and there are fewer visitors. In summer , you can enjoy local events and water sports. Winter is ideal for anyone in search of peace and quiet and rugged landscapes.

What can I do to support these areas during my visit?

Start at the beginning: respect your surroundings. The trails are made for walking on, not beside. Leave the flowers and berries to the insects and the birds. As regards souvenirs, forget imported key rings: a ceramic bowl or a jar of local honey make a lot more sense. And they also provide an opportunity to meet the people who keep the area alive. And if you come across guides or local inhabitants who suggest you accompany them on a nature outing, say yes: they’re often true enthusiasts. You’ll go back home with stories you won’t find in any guidebook.

Regional Natural Parks | Brittany tourism

There are five of them, as there are fingers on one hand. Armorica, Iroise, Gulf of Morbihan, Brière and, recently added, Rance-Emeraude: 5 natural areas whose communities are committed to protecting their heritage, biodiversity and stunning scenery. Take your time exploring them, as here, nature caters for every taste: turquoise waters, cliffs, endless stretches of wooded grassland. What with seals, dolphins and migratory birds, you’re all too likely to come across one of the many species that thrive in them!

In the blink of an eye

1. The Rance Valley – Emerald Coast Regional Nature Park

Off to the Rance and the Emerald Coast to explore the newbie! From the corsair city of Saint-Malo to the seaside resort of Dinard and 20 km south of the medieval town of Dinan: a park boasting truly outstanding landscapes. Sea and land interweave to the rhythm of the tides. Between cliffs, forests and traditional fisheries, the Rance’s little ports add an extra touch of soul to this unspoilt area. As the RNP isn’t just a coastal park…Take a few steps inland, where some real treasures await you. In Corseul, once a Gallo-Roman capital, the Archaeological Museum and the Temple of Mars whisk you away on a journey across 2,000 years of history.

Rance-Emeraude Regional Nature Park

©Hédé-Bazouges - Canal d'Ille et Rance - Balade à vélo le long du canal|Noémie Lefèvre

©Presqu'île de Crozon - Les grottes de Morgat en kayak|L'oeil de Paco

Ouessant_Phare de Kereon – 536952848 — ©Ouessant_Phare de Kereon|BOËLLE Yvon

©Dauphins - Archipel de Molène|Emmanuel Berthier

2. The Maritime Natural Park of Iroise

The first French maritime park has got everything to seduce you thanks to a heady mix of exceptional maritime heritage and enchanting landscapes comprising dunes, cliffs, archipelagos, heathland and rocky bottoms. It offers visitors an active discovery space of 3,500 m². As a family or with friends, let yourself be tempted by nautical outings by surf, kayak or windsurf among the Iroise islands. You might, by chance, come across a grey seal or a colony of dolphins! Those sea mammals, like a lot of other species, seek refuge in this park.

Parc Naturel Marin d’Iroise

3. The Regional Natural Park of Armorique

The Armorique area is an ideal playground which can be discovered by boat, on a bike, by foot or on the back of a horse or a donkey. The 500km-long circuit leads you, according to your whims and your level of fitness, for leisurely walks around the park through vast stretches of moorland, forests, sunken lanes and coastal footpaths. Discover the Monts d’Arrée – one of the highest summits in Brittany – where the stone peaks are set amongst heathland and gorse; the îles d’Iroise, Ouessant, Sein et Molène with the most authentic island atmosphere as well as the Crozon peninsular whose contrasting landscape of pine forests, colourful flora and charming little creaks invites you to experience travel and total escapism. Discover the vallée de l’Aulne and the rade de Brest which hosts a range of abers (Faou, Camfrout, Keroullé inlet) which are typical of Brittany. Throughout your stroll, admire the exceptional viewpoints over the Cap de la Chèvre, the Menez Hom, the Bélvédère de Landevennec or even over the Pointe du Bendy.

Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique

©Pont de Térénez au dessus de la rivière de l'Aulne|LAMOUREUX Alexandre

Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

4. The Regional Natural Park of the Golfe du Morbihan

Set amongst little stony creaks on the Golfe side, sandy beaches on the Atlantic side and woodlands inland, the “Mor Bihan” – “small sea” in the Breton language – is full of surprises. Take the time to wander inland and discover the built heritage of the region as well as the heart of its countryside. Want an original way to discover the Golfe du Morbihan and its inlets? Why not hire a kayak or try out the stand up paddle! During your stay in the natural reserve, make sure you visit the Cairn de Gavrinis. A true journey back in time through to the Neolithic period, the site houses a dolmen whose galleries are adorned with superb engravings.

Parc Naturel Régional du Golfe du Morbihan

5. The Regional Natural Park of Brière

Ramblers, cyclists and riders, come and discover the salt marshes of Brière! At the heart of the Guérande peninsula, reed beds and water reservoirs meet rural woodland spaces. 700 km of developed and purpose-built itineraries and 19 different circuits enable you to get close to the natural diversity of the park. Want an outing with a bit more originality? Why not set off on a barge? This black boat, navigated with a pole, will lead you through a vast stretch of canals and wetlands to your greatest delight! If you plan to visit the park between June and September, you might want to find out, in advance, from the Maison du Parc de Brière what the water levels of the salt marshes are.

Regional natural park of Brière

FAQ - Find out all about Brittany’s Regional Nature Parks

What is a Regional Nature Park?
A Regional Nature Park (RNP) is an exceptional yet fragile area that the State has decided to classify and protect, both in order to showcase it and to meet essential sustainability concerns. Along with the municipalities it’s composed of, it commits to projects on environmental preservation, promotion of local knowhow, territorial anchoring and contributions to local economic and solidarity development.
Find out more
How many Regional Nature Parks are there in Brittany?
Brittany contains 4 Regional Nature Parks. From north to south: the brand new Rance Valley-Emerald Coast, the Armorica Park (in Finistère, around the Crozon peninsula and the Arrée Mountains), the Gulf of Morbihan RNP, and last but not least, the Brière Park at the gates of Loire-Atlantique. The biggest? The Armorica Park, which covers some 125,000 hectares between land and sea.
Can you visit Regional Nature Parks freely?
Yes, RNPs aren’t “closed” parks; they’re living, inhabited areas accessible to the public. You can explore them on foot, by bike, on horseback or by boat, with due regard for the environment and their inhabitants of course.
What activities can you do in them?
When you’re in a Regional Nature Park, the idea is to experience it to the full. In movement. A multi-day hike is still the best way of immersing yourself if you’ve got the time: keeping on the move, seeing the landscapes change and encountering their inhabitants… In the Armorica Park, you might have a go at crossing the Arrée Mountains, for example. But depending where you are, you can also pedal, paddle a kayak or combine activities. In need of inspiration? Take a look at our 5 ideas for making the utmost of Breton RNPs.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Parks?
PNRs are magnificent all year round, but:
- In spring and autumn, the colours are at their most sublime and there are fewer visitors.
- In summer, you can enjoy local events and water sports.
- Winter is ideal for anyone in search of peace and quiet and rugged landscapes.
What can I do to support these areas during my visit?
Start at the beginning: respect your surroundings. The trails are made for walking on, not beside. Leave the flowers and berries to the insects and the birds.
As regards souvenirs, forget imported key rings: a ceramic bowl or a jar of local honey make a lot more sense. And they also provide an opportunity to meet the people who keep the area alive.
And if you come across guides or local inhabitants who suggest you accompany them on a nature outing, say yes: they’re often true enthusiasts. You’ll go back home with stories you won’t find in any guidebook.