Page 25 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Provence & The Côte d'Azur

A POR TR AIT OF PROVENCE  23

The Parc National du Mercantour is one of the
finest Alpine reserves (see p101), containing wildlife
such as these marmots, and chamois, ibex and
mouflon (wild sheep). It is also good walking country.
The Haute Provence The Cime de la Bonette
Geological Reserve near (see p183) is a lofty pass
Digne (see p184) has a where chamois roam.
spectacular collection of giant
ammonites embedded in rock.
The Gorges du Verdon area, between the
Barcelonnette Alps and the Mediterranean, is a beautiful
nature reserve with a dramatic canyon at its
centre (see pp188–9). A footpath along the
Alpes-de-Haute- canyon floor allows detailed examination
Provence of the rock formations, rare plants and birds.
The Gorges de la
Durance Digne-les-Bains Vésubie (see p99) has
viewpoints from which
to spot migrating birds
Var such as swallows.
Verdon The Préalpes de Grasse, known
The Riviera and for their dramatic gorges, lie to
the Alpes Maritimes the east of the Alpes Maritimes.
Nice

The Var and the Iles
d’Hyères Fréjus The Massif de l’Esterel’s
(see p128) high rocky coves
and scrubland are home to
various species of snakes.
In the Massif des Maures (see pp120–21),
The Massif de la Ste-Baume dense woods contain bee-eaters,
has many broadleaved trees woodchat shrikes and hoopoes. They
Toulon that are vividly coloured also provide sanctuary for the rare
in autumn. Hermann’s tortoise.

Key The Iles d’Hyères
(see pp118–19), scattered a
National park
ferry ride away from the
Regional natural park most southerly point of
Protected site Provence, are best known
Reserve for their abundant sea life,
including fish such as
wrasse. Geckos and rare
0 kilometres 25 birds like the great spotted
0 miles 25 cuckoo can be seen.