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F R A N C E
White-throated Dipper
Gull, Little Tern, Pied Avocet and Kentish Plover.
Careful searching might also give us a rarer gull,
tern or wader, whilst Spectacled Warbler can be
found in the Salicornia scrub. As we drive slowly on
the quiet lanes, we should find the exotic European
Bee-eater which nests in sandy banks, whilst
Crested Lark and Black Kite are common
throughout the area. To the east of the Camargue
lies the stony plain of La Crau. The former delta of
the Durance River, it provides a habitat found
nowhere else in France. Special birds include
Lesser Kestrel, Little Bustard, Stone Curlew, Pintailed
Sandgrouse, Iberian Grey Shrike, Eurasian
Hoopoe, Greater Short-toed Lark and Tawny Pipit.
On a calm day a stroll on the reserve of Peau de
Meau provides an unforgettable experience, with
the flora and avifauna complemented by a range
of butterflies including Swallowtail and Western
Marbled White. The adjacent canal is the top
dragonfly spot in Provence and we hope to find
Copper Demoiselle, Norfolk Hawker and
Mediterranean Damselfly.
There is much to see in the Camargue, and the
Crau, but there should also be time for a short
visit to the nearby range of hills, Les Alpilles. We
can stop to admire the historic village and castle
of Les Baux, whilst nearby Subalpine and
Dartford Warblers breed in the scrub and both
Bonelli’s and Short-toed Eagles can be found
soaring along the cliffs.
Days 5 to 7
As we transfer to the Cévennes, our route takes
us via Pont du Gard. The renowned Roman
aqueduct is worth seeing in its own right, but it
also provides the opportunity of seeing
numerous Alpine Swifts and perhaps the
unobtrusive Common Rock Sparrows or the
local pair of European Honey Buzzards. From
there, we head northwards to Alès before
beginning the climb into the hills through floralrich
pastures and fine deciduous woodlands.
Our base for the next three nights is Le Pont de
Montvert, located in the upper reaches of the
River Tarn. White-throated Dipper, Grey Wagtail
European Bee-eater
and Eurasian Crag Martin can all be seen from
the balconies of our rooms in Aux Sources du
Tarn, another hotel noted for its fine cooking,
whilst within walking distance the woods contain
Firecrest, Short-toed Treecreeper and Western
Bonelli’s Warbler.
A short drive north of our hotel lies Mont Lozère
where the open pines support Citril Finch,
Crested Tit, Tree Pipit and Woodlark. Nearby,
driving the splendidly deserted side roads will
give us our first opportunity to see orchids and
other flowering plants such as Wild Daffodils and
Tulips. We search meadows in the adjacent
valleys for butterflies, including numerous
coppers, blues and fritillaries: exactly which
species we see will depend on the weather and
how advanced the season is. Red Kite, Rock
Bunting and Black Woodpecker are amongst
other birds within just a few miles of our base.
West of Florac lies the Causse Méjean, bordered
by the Gorge du Tarn and the Gorge de la Jonte.
This rolling limestone upland plateau,
surrounded by steep cliffs, is unique in France,
and is noteworthy for its raptors including
Montagu’s and Hen Harriers. Amongst the
numerous Eurasian Griffon Vultures drifting up
from the gorges we hope to find the much rarer
Eurasian Black Vulture. Flocks of Red-billed
Chough and pairs of Common Raven patrol the
skies, whilst we have further chances of finding
the colourful Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush. A stop
for coffee at a well-positioned auberge will put us
close to territories of Red-backed Shrike,
Common Quail, Western Orphean Warbler and
Eurasian Wryneck. Local knowledge should help
us locate further interesting orchids, as well as
yet more butterflies. Indeed, the eye may be so
drawn to the flora and butterflies that, for a while
in the middle of the day, the birds may be
relegated to a back seat!
Day 8
We leave the hotel after breakfast and drive to
Montpellier for our return flight to London.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Montpellier and
transfer to Beaucaire
Days 2-4 Beaucaire
Days 5-7 Le Pont de Montvert
Day 8 Depart Montpellier
Party Size
Maximum of 14 clients (two leaders with
more than seven clients).
Accommodation
Comfortable accommodation in twin/double
and single rooms, with private facilities.
Transport
By minibuses driven by the leaders.
Includes
All flights, meals, accommodation, transport,
entry fees, services of the leaders, VAT,
airport taxes and tips.
Gradings
Good
140
Warm
Low
Normal
Swallowtail
Relaxed
Good
Easy
Scheduled
To make a booking please call Ornitholidays on 01794 519445
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