10 Naturals Parks : about us > The Massif central

The largest protected area in Europe

Cézallier Plateau - Volcans d'Auvergne Park

With its large spaces and its historical and cultural heritage, the Massif Central is appealing for nature and discovery tourism. If offers the possibility of enjoying many activities. 

The Natural Parks of the Massif Central - Livradois-Forez, Volcans d'Auvergne, Morvan, Pilat, Monts d'Ardèche, Cévennes, Grands Causses, Millevaches en Limousin, Causses du Quercy and Haut-Languedoc - are symbolic areas of the Massif Central. They represent an immense diversity of landscapes: volcanoes, limestone plateaus and high-altitude valleys.

Here, travellers can find a redoubt of serenity, combining the pleasure of activities in nature, the discovery of a rich, preserved heritage of identity and the opportunity to meet people.

An unsuspected natural heritage

Otters - Millevaches en Limousin Park

A vast array of highlands and deep valleys, which are impressive in their variety, but never overwhelming for humans.

The environment plays a very important part: the variety of geological substrata, its mountainous nature and position as a crossroads have allowed the development of great biodiversity. Here one can find many floral species with Mediterranean, mountain or continental origins: endemic species such as Mezenc sennesson, Auvergne jasione, Lamothe saxifrage; fauna comprising rare species which are protected by national recovery plans, such as the European otter, birds of prey (Bonelli's eagle, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, red kite), river crayfish, pearl mussels, Atlantic salmon.

A region in constant movement

The towns of Thiers, Ambert, Mazamet and Millau were centres of industry and industrial and traditional craft skills: Thiers knives and Millau gloves were internationally renowned.

Nowadays, these assorted skills remain visible in an industry that has known how to innovate and stay at the forefront. In the Massif Central one can find industry and crafts evenly distributed across the entire region: wood, mechanics, textile, ceramic, agribusiness, etc.

• Itineraries of the Natural Parks of the Massif Central