Definition - Beaujolais UNESCO global Geopark

What is a Geopark ?

The status of "Geopark" is granted by UNESCO (in partnership with the global Geopark network) to areas, or 'territories' with outstanding geological heritage. A Geopark stimulates the local economy, enhancing the development of geotourism and promoting access to the territory's hidden gems.


A global Geopark is a territory with an outstanding geological heritage. It brings local inhabitants together to participate in organising activities and events for the conservation and promotion of geologically interesting sites, in tune with the region's natural and cultural heritage.

A Global Geopark is recognised by UNESCO: it therefore acts in accordance with UNESCO values in the fields of education, culture and science.

  • Cadole_crédits photos : Dominik Fusina

Géoparc or Geopark ?!

The French have long wondered about the correct way to spell this, since "park" in French is "parc"!

The label was created in the 2000s. Supported by UNESCO, it was, at first, only applied at the European level. In 2004, when the label began to applied on a global level, it was deemed easier to settle on the internationally-recognisable anglophone version of the word, "Geopark".


Ever since November 2015, the label has been granted directly by UNESCO, whose main languages are English and French. This means the French version appears next to the English version. The upshot of it is that both versions are correct in French: you can say either "Géoparc Mondial de l'UNESCO" or "UNESCO Global Geopark".