Port-Cros National Park


Port-Cros National Park 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.
It was founded in 1963 after the island of Port-Cros was bequeathed to the state. The state is the sole land owner on the island, which is a natural protected area.
The park claims being the first national park in Europe that unites terrestrial and maritime protection zones. The protected area is about 700 hectares of land and 1288 hectares of sea at 600m zone from the coast. Most of the area of the main island Port-Cros as well as the small islands of Bagaud, Gabinière and Rascas are protected. Moreover, about 1000 ha of land on the island of Porquerolles is since 1971 under National Park's administration.
There are strict behavior rules for the few inhabitants as well as daily tourists there. Sea bathing is admitted on three beaches only and smoking or taking dogs can result in an extensive fine.