Dragonflies & Birds of the Camargue

Tour Code: FRA05

An exciting 8-day exploration of the wetlands of Provence, as well as the nearby stony desert of La Crau and the limestone hills of Les Alpilles, one of Europe's premier dragonfly destinations, in search of both dragonflies and birds.

£1,995

Flight Inclusive

£1,845

Land Only

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Tour Itinerary and Reports

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1 Itinerary 14 Tour Reports

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Tom Mabbett

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Carbon Footprint

542kg CO2e

With International Flights

266.3kg CO2e

Tour Only

What does this mean?

Highlights

30+ dragonfly species, most not found in Britain
Banded Darter, Goblet Damselfly & Green-eyed Hawker
Summer immigrants such as Vagrant Emperor
Enjoy courtship displays of Copper Demoiselles
Lagoons laden with Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, waders & storks
Raptors, including Eagle Owl in Les Alpilles
Excellent photo opportunities such as Blue-eyed Hooktails resting on rocks
Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse & Lesser Kestrel at La Crau
Guided by an expert Naturetrek naturalist

Summary

The Camargue, that vast wetland which lies within the arms of the Rhone Delta, conjures up romantic images of wild white horses and black fighting bulls, gypsy festivals and the best olives in the world. It is also France’s (perhaps even Europe’s) premier dragonfly site where, in July, we may hope to see over 30 species, most of them not seen in Britain. If you seek to be inspired by dragonflies, this is the trip for you, both with the sheer numbers and brilliance of the species that we should see. However, the region is better known to naturalists for its birdlife, and we will not neglect this aspect of the natural world during our dragonfly-quest, enjoying the Camargue’s large breeding population of Greater Flamingoes, abundant herons, egrets and storks, and healthy population of raptors such as kites, vultures and the rare Bonelli’s Eagle. We will make short excursions to the limestone hills of Les Alpilles in search of Eagle Owls and also to the bizarre pebbly landscape of La Crau, not only to watch sandgrouse and Lesser Kestrels, but also to enjoy the top dragonfly river flowing through it. Indeed, we offer the opportunity to understand and enjoy at first hand the quintessentially Mediterranean habitats of the garrigue and maquis and their associated wildlife.

We begin our holiday with an exciting exploration of Les Marais du Vigueirat, a large wetland nature reserve, in search of Orange-spotted Emeralds, Green-eyed Hawkers and Goblet Damselflies. Special permits will allow us to venture further into the reserve than the general public, where we will spend the day wandering through marshes, woodland, open dry meadows and along disused canals; as well as looking for dragonflies, we will enjoy a large colony of egrets and herons comprising eight different species. On another day we will visit the saline lakes where the Greater Flamingoes breed, amongst them such other wetland species as Whiskered Tern, Slender-billed Gull and Kentish Plover before focusing on the canal in the Vallee des Baux where at least 15 species of dragonfly may be found in just a small area, including Southern Skimmers and White Featherleg. If conditions are right we will also make a trip to watch swarms of dragonflies coming in to roost in reedbeds before sunset, and to watch Dusk Hawkers.

Our fourth day will start early to ensure that we see the best of the wildlife, initially focusing on the habitat of dry garrigue and olive groves where Short-toed Eagles, exquisite Rollers, and various butterflies and Ant Lions may be found. Later we will search a marshy area for the delicate Banded Darter and then head into the limestone hills to observe Alpine Swift and Crag Martins, and to look for breeding Egyptian Vultures in Les Alpilles. Views from the easily accessible summit at La Caume provide amazing sunset panoramas.

On other days we will visit a Bee-eater colony which feasts largely on dragonflies (most probably including Red-veined Darters and Scarlet Dragonflies), enjoy breeding Collared Pratincoles, and check out the rice fields for tree frogs, various darters, Lesser Emperor and Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly. At Saintes Maries de la Mer we will hope for such summer immigrants as Vagrant Emperor or large swarms of more widespread species, whilst the coastal dunes provide yet another contrasting habitat for both insects and flowers. We will also visit the wetlands of La Maison du Parc and the Mas d’Agon Observation Point and rice fields.

Finally we will explore La Crau, a pebbly desert full of life! Here, strange insects such as the enormous bright green Saga pedo, fairy-like ascalapids, praying mantis and bush crickets may all be found, plus bird species such as Hoopoe, Lesser Kestrel, Calandra Lark and Great Grey Shrike. The Peau de Meau River attracts an incredible number of dragonfly species; Blue-eyed Hooktails pose to be photographed on rocks whilst Yellow-tailed and Copper Demoiselles engage in courtship displays and Southern Blue Skimmers compete for airspace.

We will revisit La Crau on our last day, before returning to the airport, in search of yet more dragonflies, and we will also visit a nearby lake to look for Orange Featherlegs and other species. An action-packed end to a rich and varied holiday!

Outline Itinerary

Day

Fly Montpellier/Marseille and transfer to Arles.

Days

2 - 7

Dragonfly/birding excursions from Arles.

Day

Fly UK

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What's Included?

Food

All included in the price.

Accommodation

Comfortable family-run hotel near Arles, serving good local food. All rooms have private facilities.

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Dragonflies & Birds of the Camargue

£1,995

£1,845

Travel to this tour by train

Why Choose Naturetrek?

Tour Itinerary and Reports

Can I Help You?

Tom Mabbett

Carbon Footprint

Highlights

Summary

Outline Itinerary

What's Included?

Food

Accommodation

Documents

Itineraries

Tour Reports

Dates & Prices

2027

Fri 25th Jun - Fri 2nd Jul SPACES £1,995 Book Now

Regional Departures

Mon 28th Jun - Mon 5th Jul SPACES £1,995 Book Now

Regional Departures

Tue 29th Jun - Tue 6th Jul SPACES £1,995 Book Now

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