Their missions

The law of April 14th, 2006 modifies the missions of national parks and their operating methods in response to current sustainable development challenges.

The centre of the park is an area of excellence, where priority is given to protecting the various environments, animal and plant species, landscapes and cultural heritage. This area is covered by special regulation.

The park's territory also encompasses a peripheral area of adhesion. Towns close to the centre of the park, which lie in the optimum area, have the possibility of adhering to the park's charter. Every park's charter is drafted in conjunction with local leaders and representatives. It is subjected to a public inquiry.

True ecological solidarity is established between the centre of the park, a protected but fragile natural jewel, and the area of adhesion, whose remarkable locations must be developed sustainably.

Their priorities include :

the protection of biodiversity, an essential mission that the national community has the right to expect of a national park; nevertheless since the law of 2006, a national park is also responsible for protecting its often very remarkable cultural heritage;
good governance which aims to ensure the improved running of institutions and to strengthen relationships with local leaders and representatives;
excellence in heritage management and accommodating visitors, by which national parks must live up to the symbolic dimension that distinguishes them from other protective plans and even more so from ordinary natural environments.

Regulation

While a National Park is an open area accessible by all, it is still uncompromisingly a natural protected territory and, therefore, subject to regulation.

The rules of conduct for visitors are rather simple once you are aware of them. They are dictated by common sense and a respect for others and nature.

The regulations are the same for all French National Parks, with the exception of certain elements relating to a territory's natural or cultural specificities.
Below are all of the pictograms you will find in the parks.

Information and prohibition pictograms