Northern France (By Train)

Tour Code: FRA33

A 7-day holiday in Nord Pas-de-Calais (northern France) focusing on the birds, butterflies and wildflowers of this exceptionally wildlife-rich region.

7 days from
£1,695 (Inc train)
Land only price from
£1,645
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

The contrast between southern England and northern France is stark, so large is the obstacle of the English Channel for a number of summer migrants which we don’t have breeding here in the UK: Melodious Warbler, Kentish Plover and Bluethroat for example. The abundance of wildlife, whether it be birds, butterflies, plants or dragonflies, ensures this new ‘flightless’ holiday encapsulates a continental feel to our wildlife viewing. As we travel short distances through myriad habitats, comprising vast forests, marshes, coastal lagoons and cereal fields, we will be surprised by how different this productive area is compared to mainland Britain.

A wonderful chateau will be our base for the 6-night duration, situated close to the coast and to the seaside town of Boulogne-Sur-Mer, only ten minutes away. The chateau gardens here will be the idyllic location for relaxing after our daily excursions and there are also treatment rooms here for those who wish to relax even further! With Paris only a short journey away, why not extend your stay in France with a visit to its vibrant capital?

  • Bluethroats, Spoonbills and Melodious Warblers
  • Forest walks for Black Woodpecker and Hawfinch
  • An array of butterflies and dragonflies/damselflies
  • Coastal walks from Cap-Gris-Nez
  • Single-centred holiday based at a chateau
  • Led by wildlife experts

Grading

Grade A - All walks will be gentle with very few hills. Expect to walk between four and six miles per day.

Kentish Plovers, White Storks and Bluethroats are a handful of species which breed across the Channel in plentiful numbers and are encountered on the marshes and coastline with ease. In the forests, the continuous chattering of Melodious Warblers will keep us entertained as we search for the elusive Black Woodpecker, while marshes will hold Western Cattle Egrets, Eurasian Spoonbills, Black-necked Grebes and Stone Curlews. Raptors are also prolific in this region, and we hope to encounter the superb Montagu’s Harrier, a stunning bird of prey which could be encountered over the cereal fields. Goshawk is another possibility in the forests.

Map butterflies will certainly be a highlight, while in the wetlands, Dainty Damselflies, Lesser Emperors and Red-veined Darters will comprise a minor fraction of the Odonata present. A moth-trap will also be set up on a couple of evenings to diversify our wildlife sightings, this being the perfect time of year for a variety of hawk-moths.
DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Train from Folkestone to Calais
Day 2
Visiting ancient forests
Day 3
Cap Gris Nez
Day 4
Parc de Marquenterre
Day 5
Explore Boulogne-sur-Mer
Day 6
RNN de la Baie de Canche; Dunes du Mont Saint-Frieux
Day 7
Train from Calais to Folkestone; arriving early afternoon
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Trains
  • Accommodation:

    A single-centre holiday based at a remote chateau near Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

  • Food:

    All food is included in your holiday. Lunches will comprise picnics and cafés.

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2024

Departures Availability Cost
Thu 16th May – Wed 22nd May 1 £1,695
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,645
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Marcus John
Marcus John

Tour Leader: Marcus John

Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.

After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.

Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.

Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Thu 15th May – Wed 21st May SPACES £1,795
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!