Port-Cros National Park
Created in 1963, Port-Cros National park is the first land-based and aquatic park in Europe. Two hearts, on the islands of Porquerolles and Port Cros, benefit from a high level of protection given the exceptional character of their sites and presence of many protected species. A charter project of sustainable development, elaborated in dialogue with the partner towns of the coastline will be implemented in 2016.
Heritage
The National park has a considerable historical heritage, illustrated by Roman vestiges, about thirty ship remains and a score of military forts. A privileged stopover of migratory birds, the territory is also home to some endemic terrestrial species like the Sardinian discoglossus, a small batrachian, and the phyllodactyle of Europe, a reptile in the process of decline. The terrestrial vegetation species are adapted to siliceous grounds and the salt of the sea spray. The marine environment draws its uniqueness from its underwater landscapes endemic to the Mediterranean: the herbarium of posidonia and the coralligenous reefs which are inhabited by more than 180 species of fish and many invertebrates.

The national park in a nutshell

Port-Cros National Park
Castel Ste Claire
83418 Hyères Cedex
Tél. :+33(0)4 94 12 82 30
Go to website www.portcrosparcnational.fr
Chiffres clés
Date of creation
14th December 1963
Location
Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur Region in the Var (83) department, on the Hyeres islands and the Var coastline
Heart (sea-based)
2 950 ha
Heart (land-based)
1 671 ha