Forests of Provence

2011 international year of forest

As every year, 2011 is dedicated to a n important international cause. This year, the General assembly of United Nations decided that the forest would be in the center of all the attentions. 2011 will be the opportunity to make sensitive the general public in the preciosity of our forests in the balance of our planet. One year which also aims at strengthening and at supporting any actions or projects in favour of the sustainable development of forest spaces.

Of course majestic Amazonian forest is the lung of our planet, but our small forests have just as much of importance. And this international year dedicated to the forest is not certainly useless, because in spite of a stronger mobilization around the question of the protection of our environment, the situation remains worrying.

You should not forget that more than the half of the biodiversity of our planet is sheltered by our forests, and that we do not stop discovering it new species. The forest also stays for the most deprived populations an inestimable resource, bringing them necessary elements for their survival : firewood, building materials and daily food. The protection of these very desired natural spaces has to stay in the center of our concerns to protecte present and future generations, because you should not forget that every year about 13 million hectares of forests disappear…

Then in 2011, let us celebrate the forest as it is necessary !

Forests of Provence

Provence is a quite unique ground rich of protected natural spaces. A territory which consists of 5 regional nature reserves, 3 national parks, 11 national nature reserves, 4 regional nature reserves, and finally 3 reserves of biosphere. This abundance of labels demonstrates a sure will of conservation and valuation of a rare natural heritage. Our forests contribute largely to the extraordinary biodiversity of our region, they shelter numerous protected species and very diverse essences. The region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur arrives at the 3rd national rank of the most afforested regions with 38 % of its territory covered by forest ! That is 1 200 000 hectares being of use as housing to a fauna and a flora of a rare variety.

But several dangers threaten these natural spaces in spite of all the protective measures taken to protect them. The whims of nature do not save these wooded territories, they undergo the fury of the violent winds, the spectacular snowfalls, the harshness of the drought in Provence and sometimes even the parasitic attacks. Nature is not the only one to manhandle our forests, the beauty of the landscapes of Provence attracts every year thousands of visitors. This tourist pressure to which is subjected our region weakens largely these natural spaces, because of the strong attendance of these places in summer and because these natural spaces attract numerous greeds and the galloping urbanization is a danger. You should not forget of course fire risks because in Provence, every year it is about 10 000 hectares which burn…

Provence is a territory which has to reconcile tourist welcome and protection of its natural resources.

Quite unique forests in Provence

Provence possesses some jewels on its territory, it is a paradise for nature lovers. The variety of these natural spaces, scrublands, moors, forests of average and high mountain, oak groves (etc.) invites you for numerous discoveries and unforgettable walks. In this international year dedicated to them, there are remarkable forests in Provence, which it is absolutely necessary to discover :

- Sainte Baume Forest

Near the city of Aix en Provence the Saint Baume is a forest of legend of which the sacred characteris attested since the ancient times because already ligures had made a sanctuary. Then Marie Madeleine and her history made it the Mecca of pilgrimage. You will discover an ancestral forest made by fir-trees, by oaks, by beeches and by hundred-years-old yews, a forest of with which the luxuriance in this ground of drought will surprise you. This luxuriant vegetation contrasts with the territory surrounding, it is the result of the presence of 6 rivers which feed generously the forest. A magic place…

- Maures Forest

The massif of the Maures shelters an other millenial forest of Provence. This forest is majestic and you will feel the aura of mystery which glides above sweet chestnut trees, cork oaks and strawberry trees. The biodiversity of the fauna and the flora is here exceptional, a stroll rich in discoveries which will awaken all your senses…

- Cedars Forest

In the heart of the Luberon, protected natural space, located in the village of Bonnieux, the cedars forest is a place full of serenity. Paths invite you to wind in the middle of cedars which are beautiful and to discover the scents of Provence.

>>> More information about the cedars forest