French Pyrenees
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If you like to combine the joys of summer birding in Europe with some easy-paced walking and a wider appreciation of the natural world, then this relaxed trip to the south of France is for you. Join us for a medley of alpine birds, butterflies and flowers, set against a backcloth of stunning montane scenery in the very heart of the beautiful French Pyrenees.For this popular summer break we are based at a comfortable hotel in the small Pyrenean town of Luz St. Sauveur. Just a few miles to the north, the towering rock walls of the spectacular Cirque de Gavarnie - itself classified as an Exceptional Heritage Site and a protected natural monument - are are home to one of Europe's rarest and most sought-after birds, the Lammergeier. We will visit a number of favoured haunts for this immense bird, and our previous groups have all enjoyed marvellous views. A few have even been treated to the dramatic sight of a Lammergeier 'doing its thing' and dropping bones from height to break them into pieces small enough to swallow! In fact, this is a terrific tour for anyone with a penchant for birds of prey, for many of Europe's most impressive raptors also breed in these mountains. Eurasian Griffon, Golden Eagle, Honey Buzzard and Red Kite are among species we should come across during the week. Dipper and Grey Wagtail haunt the chill upland streams that tumble down the valleys and, in the forests of pine and beech that cling to the lower slopes, we should find Crested Tit and Firecrest. It's here we may also chance upon the wild-eyed Black Woodpecker. At higher elevations, upland treats to watch for include Alpine Accentor, Red-billed and Alpine Choughs, Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting and Snowfinch. If we are extremely fortunate, we might also find Wallcreeper, although this enigmatic bird seems to have forsaken past haunts in recent years. The Gavarnie area is a veritable mountain paradise. But it's one which is only fully accessible during the summer months. Pyrenean Chamois and Alpine Marmot frequent the highest slopes, the latter's distinctive bird-like whistles carrying far in the crystal air. And it's only at this season that we have an opportunity to enjoy both the frenzy of alpine flowers that grace the upland pastures and the Pyrenees' bounty of montane butterflies. The slow-flying Apollo, Piedmont and Bright-eyed Ringlets, Purple Emperor and Little, Turquoise and Gavarnie Blues are just a few of more than 100 different species of butterfly we've recorded over recent tours. Accommodation: Seven nights at a good hotel in Luz St. Sauveur (French Tourist Board 3-star and Logis de France 3-cheminées award). All rooms en suite. |
© Mike Read
Mountains near Luz St Saveur
Price: £ 1,545
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return scheduled flights London-Toulouse, all accommodation, meals, minibus transport, tips, airport taxes, map, bird and butterfly checklist, and services of the leader/s.
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Meals: All included in the price. Excellent home-cooking, with breakfast and dinner at the hotel, in the best traditions of French cuisine. Lunches will usually be picnics in the field. Walking: Predominantly short walks along good tracks. One full-day walk to the breathtaking Cirque de Gavarnie, a round trip of ca. 7 miles; the going is mostly easy but expect a few uphill stretches of course (one section a bit more strenuous on the way up). But we take it gently and the rewards at the top are well worth the effort - with the enticement of a cafe and a refreshing glass of beer at the furthest point... and it's downhill all the way back! Stout walking shoes or lightweight boots with good, corrugated soles for grip advised.
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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