THE CAMARGUE, FRANCE

our most popular trip; a week in Provence

This well-known wetland in southern France, famous for its colony of Greater Flamingos, is the venue for this exciting birdwatching holiday. Our spring visits here have been amongst the most popular of all our holidays over the last few years and we therefore recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.

French folklore and literature are strewn with tales and references to the wild white horses, the gypsies and the fighting bulls for which this region is famed. The most discerning birdwatcher will, however, find that the Camargue has even more to offer. There is a very satisfying range of habitats, from reedbeds and marshes to open stony desert. Add to these riparian woodland, limestone hills and imposing mountains and you will appreciate how our previous groups have managed to see such an impressive diversity of bird life.

We should also have time to enjoy the cultural delights of Arles during a walk around this Roman town and to visit the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Les Baux, high in Les Alpilles. As if the list of birds is not mouth-watering enough, our clients on previous holidays have told us that we must stress just how good the Hotel des Granges is, and in particular the wonderful French cuisine. We first used this hotel 12 years ago, and look forward to returning each time. A week's stay gives us time to comfortably cover all of the interesting and varied birdwatching habitats listed above. Not only will we visit the bird-rich lakes and marshes of the delta, we shall also explore La Crau, Les Alpilles, Le Pont du Gard and Mont Ventoux. You will find, should you wish, that there is also time to relax.

ITINERARY

THE CAMARGUE

We will visit two small colonies of Collared Pratincoles, which give incredible, close views. Ducks on the lagoons include breeding Red-crested Pochard, Garganey and Shelduck. Other birds seen on the marshes include Cattle Egret, Avocet, Mediterranean Gull and Black Tern.

LA CRAU

To the west of the Camargue is a stony desert-like area, known as La Crau. Once the delta of the River Durance, the area is now very dry and has been taken over by sheep farmers. Four species of shrike are possible, but all appear to be decreasing. Red-backed, Woodchat and Southern Grey are the most likely. Lesser Grey is distinctly rare these days. Birds of prey are often encountered, the most common being the ubiquitous Black Kite. Common Buzzards, Short-toed Eagles and Montagu's Harriers frequent this area too.

Calandra Larks, bold-looking birds with dark shoulder patches and black underwings, are present in small numbers and can easily be separated from the more common Skylark and Short-toed Lark. Tawny Pipits match the pale sandy colour of their rocky home, as do the Stone Curlews. Little Bustards will be seen displaying on a morning visit and we may also see the superb Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, a bird on the very edge of its range. In contrast to the rather pale brown plumage of most birds here, the striking metallic blue Roller and beautiful Bee-eaters will add a welcome splash of colour.

LES ALPILLES

To the north of the Camargue the beautiful limestone hills of Les Alpilles are famous for their Roman remains, particularly the spectacular rock fortress of Les Baux. Set against these impressive remains we will watch superb Alpine Swifts hurtling across the skies collecting flying insects. Birds of prey are frequent here and with a little luck we will see Bonelli's and Short-toed Eagles and Egyptian Vulture. Indeed, one highlight of our recent visits has been the close views of a family of Bonelli's Eagles at their regular cliff-side eyrie.

In ten years of tours we have only once failed to see the magnificent Eagle Owls which breed in the area. Luck has been on our side in recent years with the discovery of a new Eagle Owl site, just 15 minutes from our hotel, where we have been treated to excellent daylight views. Other species typical of this beautiful place include Nightjar, Crag Martin and Blue Rock Thrush. In the bushes singing warblers include Sardinian, Subalpine and Dartford.

PONT DU GARD To the west of Arles the Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard provides a superb backdrop to this excellent birdwatching location. The aqueduct itself provides the focus of our interest as the three specialities here all nest in it. Rock Sparrows, with their stripy heads and white tail spots, call to each other as Alpine Swifts and Crag Martins hawk insects over the river. The views we get of the Alpine Swifts are truly breathtaking - they literally skim over our heads!

Kingfishers can be glimpsed flying along the river and male Golden Orioles call to each other from the trees along the river bank. Other birds regularly seen here include Short-toed Treecreepers, Spotted Flycatchers, numerous Serins and occasional Honey Buzzards.

MONT VENTOUX

Mont Ventoux is the highest mountain in the area and consequently supports a range of birds quite different from those in the surrounding land. To see all its species you must ascend the full 1909 metres, but fortunately this can be done in the vehicle, as there is a metalled road to the café at the summit. Regular stops on the way up will produce a good variety of birds, some in unusually high densities for this altitude.

The first birds which we will come across may remind us of home and it will be the first time during the week that we will see Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Mistle Thrush, Coal Tit, Wren, Dunnock and Chaffinch. The British connection is further emphasized by Ring Ouzel, Crested Tits, Black Redstarts, Crossbills and Woodlarks, but when you see your first singing male Rock Bunting you will know that this is no British mountain.

Citril Finches are one of Mont Ventoux's specialities and are found in very good numbers towards the summit. With a little patience we can normally get good views of this sprightly yellow, green and grey jewel. A superb male Rock Thrush provided what we expected to be the highlight of one trip, until, as we sat having our picnic in a lovely alpine meadow the shout of 'Black Woodpecker!' went up. Not everyone saw the male perched on the side of a tree before he flew off, but patience was rewarded later when the female appeared in the same place. Sightings of this spectacular woodpecker have been obtained on most subsequent visits.

PACE There will be regular optional pre-breakfast walks in the vicinity of the hotel. Breakfast will be taken at about 8.00am most mornings, but slightly earlier on two mornings. Basic fitness is all that is required. Day long birdwatching excursions will be made and short walks on the flat will be undertaken regularly. Visits to Les Alpilles and Mt Ventoux will involve some uphill walking, but at a relaxed pace.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD Full-board accommodation is provided in the Hotel des Granges, on the outskirts of Arles. This hotel has proved most popular over the years, with excellent French food and wine complementing the superb birdwatching. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. Arles is a town just north of the Camargue, central to all of the sites we shall visit. Wonderful and varied picnic lunches will be taken every day.

PRICE INCLUDES ….. All birdwatching excursions with expert leader, full-board accommodation, soft drinks at meal times, local transport by mini-bus, return flights to Marseille, and flight and airport taxes.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Cost of travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Return flight from London Gatwick to Marseille using the scheduled services of British Airways. Outbound flight departs mid-day, return flight arrives back early evening. Connecting shuttle flights are available on this tour for £60 return (due at time of booking), from Manchester and other regional airports.

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