Tailormade Holidays in France

The Dordogne, one of the major rivers of France, rises from just below Puy Sancy, in the mountains of the Auvergne, finally entering the Bay of Biscay by means of the Garonne estuary near Bordeaux. However, it is at the middle of its course, amongst the heartlands of rural southern France, that it is at its most beautiful, meandering so peacefully through wide limestone gorges and rolling hills bedecked with dense oak woodlands. Here, stunning ochre-coloured stone hamlets nestle in the valleys amongst walnut trees and fields of maize and sunflowers, whilst large villages cling precariously to the riverside cliffs or perch fortress-like atop hills and ridges, often huddling around an 18th century chateau or the ruins of a castle dating back to the Hundred Years War with England. This unspoilt and idyllic region is also a veritable paradise for the keen naturalist. Birds are everywhere and butterflies and other insects abound, whilst a vast array of wild flowers provides a sea of colour in meadows, hedgerows and woodland glades. This is southern England before the days of intensive farming and suburban sprawl … only with twice the number of species!

Located in central France, south of the Loire, and known locally as ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes’, La Brenne harbours a rich tapestry of habitats including marshes, manmade pools, deciduous woods, dry heathland and farmland.

The area supports a dense population of breeding birds in the spring. Its heronries are of particular note, with good populations of both Grey and Purple Herons, Little Egrets, and Cattle Egrets. Night Herons, Bittern and Little Bittern may also be seen with a little luck, whilst a careful search of the lakes reveals breeding Black-necked Grebes and Garganey, and overhead Black and Whiskered Terns — the latter more numerous here than anywhere else in France. No fewer than 16 species of warbler have bred in the area, including Savi’s, Great Reed and Melodious, and the variety of habitats is also particularly appealing to birds of prey. Whilst Black Kites, Short-toed Eagles and Honey Buzzards may be seen over the woodlands, Marsh, Montagu’s and Hen Harriers quarter reedbeds, marshes and arable land, and the dashing Hobby may be seen almost anywhere. Farmland birds, too, are well represented, and in the orchards and woodlands a particular highlight is the Short-toed Treecreeper. The calls of Hoopoes and Golden Orioles, and liquid songs of Nightingales complete this classic collection of European birds. The region offers far more besides, however. A spectacular array of butterflies are also present, including Large Tortoiseshell, Scarce Swallowtail and Purple Emperor. Most remarkably, no fewer than 36 species of orchid also occur in the area, and mammals include Red Squirrel and Wild Boar.

Though enticingly rich in biodiversity, La Brenne is not an extensive area and, as such, most habitats are within a short drive of each other, making the region an ideal choice for the all-round naturalist, or the botanist, entomologist or birdwatcher who prefers more relaxed natural history outings.

Tucked away in the south-eastern corner of the Massif Central, Cévennes is a naturalist’s delight. From a plethora of birds and butterflies, abundant birds of prey and up to 30 orchid species, to a landscape as breathtaking as it is rugged, dotted with medieval villages and spectacular gorges, this is the perfect destination for the all-round naturalist, and a wonderful region to explore on foot. The variety of habitats within such a relatively small area is truly exceptional. The granite and schist peaks of Mont Lozère (1,699 metres), Mont Aigoual (1,567 metres) and Mont Bougés (1,362 metres) have a quite different flora from the surrounding limestone areas, and pine and deciduous forests, hedgerows, limestone plateaux, flower-filled meadows, deep gorges and fast-flowing rivers provide further contrast. To the west lies the vast limestone plateau of the Causses, with a typical karst scenery of dramatic canyons, weathered peaks and caves. Further diversity, created by the variety of climate, aspect, rainfall, soil and altitude, provides an extremely rich flora and fauna, and there is even evidence of prehistoric life here, with dinosaur footprints near St. Laurent dating back around 180 million years.

The Lot Valley is a charming region of rural France that holds abundant attractions for its visitors. There are some lovely old towns such as Figeac, and Cahors where the meandering River Lot is spanned by the famous medieval bridge, ‘le Pont Valentre’. Quaint riverside settlements include the spectacular ‘hanging villages’ of St. Cirq-Lapopie and Calvignac, both seeming to defy gravity as they cling to cliffs above the river. The area also boasts some impressive prehistoric sites, amongst them the numerous dolmens scattered about the landscape and the superb Palaeolithic paintings of mammoths and horses to be found in the caves of Pech Merle. What is often not appreciated, though, is the amazingly rich wildlife of this enchanting valley and its surrounding area. Here, clouds of butterflies and other insects may be found, alongside a spectacular profusion of flowering plants, including many orchids. The region also boasts a long list of birds, especially raptors, with other highlights including Hoopoe, Golden Oriole and singing Nightingales.

Located in southern France, Carcassonne and Cathar Country offer a superb combination of history, cultural heritage and wildlife. This is a spectacular landscape, blessed with picturesque and colourful villages, and was also the heartland of the Cathar movement during the Middle Ages. One can visit the magnificent fortress city of Carcassonne, choose between a plethora of Cathar villages and historical sites including many ruined fortresses and castles, and also explore the wealth of habitats within this charming region. Coastal areas offer salt flats, marshlands and lagoons, punctuated with rocky outcrops, whilst inland lie ancient vineyards, Mediterranean garrigue and the foothills of the Pyrenees. Each habitat attracts numerous migrant and resident birds, with highlights including Greater Flamingo and Purple Gallinule on the coast, thousands of migrant species plus birds of prey on the Leucate Plateau, Little Bustard on steppe and nesting Eagle Owl on rocky outcrops. The region is awash with a blanket of colourful wildflowers in spring, amongst them many rare orchids such as Ophrys corbariensis in the Pyrenean foothills. The warm Mediterranean weather, a rich natural heritage, magnificent scenery and a touch of history makes this area a rich cocktail indeed!

The Pyrenees’ isolation from the rest of Europe, together with the presence of a wide range of habitats, has led to a rich endemic flora and vast diversity of birds, mammals, butterflies and other insects. An excellent way to explore the Parc National des Pyrénées is on foot, using a vast network of well-maintained mountain trails to enjoy flora and fauna in the hay meadows, woods and alpine pastures of this high central region of the French Pyrenees. June is a particularly pleasant time to visit, when the winter snows have receded, revealing carpets of vibrant wildflowers teeming with a dazzling array of butterflies (including many Pyrenean specialties such as Clouded Appollo, Purple-edged Copper, alpine ringlets and the very rare Gavarine Blue), whilst breeding birds include Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Common Rock Thrush, Ring Ouzel, Citril Finch and White-winged Snowfinch. Flora includes Alpenrose, plus gentians, saxifrages & orchids, and visitors may also hope to see Marmots and Chamois in the Pyrennean meadows. All this, together with a well-deserved culinary reputation and many fine wines, make the Pyrenees a wonderful choice for a foray into France!