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The tour gave every tour member the chance to experience bird watching in the South of France in December. Best of all the two group leaders gave us humour, dedication and a family feel to our busy days. Great picnic lunches and overall an amazing holiday. Naturetrek are a very caring company who make each step of the holiday easy.
K.B. Co. Durham, Dec 22
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France - Wallcreepers & the Camargue
Tour Code: FRA30A varied 5-day natural history holiday to south-eastern France in search of Wallcreepers and wetland birds, as well as to enjoy the region's Roman architecture and excellent Provençal cuisine and hospitality.
5 days
from
£1,295 (Inc flights)
£1,295 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£1,120
£1,120
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
For most of the year, the gorgeous, enigmatic Wallcreeper – one of the world’s most sought-after birds – lives on inaccessible cliffs at high altitude, hard to reach and harder to see. In winter, however, it migrates downhill and can be found locally much lower down, on cliffs and even buildings. One such wintering site is Les Baux, in the scenic Alpilles Mountains of southern France, where Alpine Accentor and Blue Rock Thrush also occur. On this exciting tour we combine Wallcreeper-watching with visits to the incomparable Camargue, where flocks of Cranes accompany the Flamingoes, Glossy Ibis and many thousands of waterfowl. This combination of highlights, amidst attractive scenery, impressive Roman architecture and superb Provencal cuisine, makes for a memorable holiday to banish the winter blues further north.
- Great chance of seeing a Wallcreeper in its winter quarters
- Alpine Accentor, Blue Rock Thrush and Black Redstart also likely in the attractive town of Les Baux in Alpilles Mountains
- Splendid Roman architecture at Pont du Gard
- Waterbirds galore in nearby Camargue
- Large flocks of Cranes, Glossy Ibis and Greater Flamingoes
- Great food and hospitality
Grading
A. Easy day walks only.
The enigmatic Wallcreeper, with its stunning crimson wings and beautiful butterfly-like flight, falls into the ‘must see’ category for many birdwatchers and naturalists. During this exciting holiday we will go in search of this iconic species while also enjoying the wildlife of the nearby Camargue wetlands, some spectacular Roman architecture, wonderful scenery and the region’s excellent Provençal cuisine. The Camargue is located in the Provence region of southeastern France and is one of Europe’s most important wetlands. It encompasses approximately 750 square kilometres of saline and freshwater wetlands, riverine forest, reedbeds and pasture and lies at the very heart of the vast Rhône Delta, south of the ancient town of Arles. It acts as a magnet for a great many resident and migratory bird species, and is also home to the famous white ‘Camargue horses’, an ancient breed of horse indigenous to the region. Our ‘Camargue in Spring’ tour has proved very popular over the years, but this legendary wetland has much to offer in the winter too. Our base is within easy striking distance of the Alpilles Mountains and the Camargue itself, and during our time here we will visit a mix of contrasting sites and habitats, breaking each day with a delicious picnic lunch to maximise our time in the field.
We will begin with a short flight to either Marseille or Montpellier, from where we will transfer to our hotel just outside the historic city of Arles. Here we will be based for four nights whilst we enjoy the region’s wildlife and our charming hosts’ fine hospitality. The impressive French commune of Les Baux-de-Provence is only a short drive from our hotel. This beautiful village, set within the Alpilles Mountains, stands on a rocky limestone massif and is topped with the ruins of a 10th-century castle. As well as being a breathtaking village in its own right, this is the wintering realm of the Wallcreeper and we will scan the walls of the houses, cliff faces and boulders for the telltale crimson wing-flick of this enigmatic species. As well as Wallcreeper, our time exploring the village may yield Alpine Accentor, Serin, Black Redstart and Blue Rock Thrush, with Golden and Bonelli’s Eagles possible overhead and the surrounding woodlands holding Crested Tit, Firecrest and Shorttoed Treecreeper.
Our exploration of the Camargue will focus on the 130 square kilometre ‘Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue’ nature reserve that protects the Étang de Vaccarès and the saltpans south towards the sea. During our time here we will make use of the various viewing platforms that dot the area, as well as visiting the reserve at Marais de Vigueirat. The platforms on the banks of the étangs (lakes) offer excellent views both into the brackish marshes on the water’s edge, and into the adjacent shallows where the flocks of waders, waterfowl and Greater Flamingoes feed. The extensive marshes, wet grasslands and woodlands of the Marais de Vigueirat are home to a wealth of birdlife and we will also make a special effort to find the resident herd of famous Camargue horses, which are free to roam over most of the reserve. As we explore the area we will stop at a variety of sites to take short walks and scan over the lagoons and wetlands. Highlights may include large numbers of wintering Common Cranes, flocks of Glossy Ibises and Greater Flamingoes, plus waders and wildfowl whirling over the marshes as Hen Harrier and Merlin hunt overhead. Black and White Storks are also often to be found here and the lagoons may hold Slender-billed Gulls alongside large numbers of Avocets and Little Stints. Black-necked Grebes gather on the open water, whilst Zitting Cisticolas and Sardinian Warblers occupy the surrounding dry scrub and in the reedbeds we will look for Bearded and Penduline Tits.
Another highlight of our tour will be our visit to the spectacular Pont du Gard. This ancient Roman aqueduct, the highest of all elevated aqueducts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is generally regarded as one of the most remarkable feats of Roman engineering. We will enjoy, and photograph, this amazing structure but must not forget to scan its imposing walls for wintering Wallcreepers! Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart or a flock of Rock Sparrows are also possible.
Finally, should you wish to extend this varied and exciting short break, we would recommend additional time in Arles to further explore and enjoy its quaint streets, Roman monuments and impressive amphitheatre. Please call the Naturetrek office for further details.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Marseille/Montpellier and transfer to Arles
Day 2/4
Daily programme of birding walks and excursions in the Camargue region
Day 5
Transfer to Marseille/Montpellier and fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable local guesthouse, all rooms with private facilities.
- Food:
All included in the price.
Reviews
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All days were fantastic, but the third was was exceptionally special, the Wallcreeper sighting delighted not just me but the whole group. Hotel des Granges was excellent and the dinners were especially noteworthy. Neil was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable, personable....he was very invested in making sure each and every person saw each sighting and had a good experience....Matt was equally excellent....Cannot compliment the leaders enough; they (and the birds) made the trip fantastic.
TD USA -
The tour guides were impressively informed about the birds on our trip. They spotted and identified with ease and were dedicated to showing all sightings to everyone, the elusive Wallcreepers especially.
VC USA -
Very well organised. Neil and Matt worked really well together. Packed a lot in which I loved (time to rest at home). Picnics a good idea too as each day could be flexible......Huge variety of wildlife, hotel was very comfortable
HA Stirlingshire
Dates & Prices
2024
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 5th Dec – Mon 9th Dec
FULL
£1,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,120
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
Neil McMahon
Tour Leader: Neil McMahon
Neil McMahon grew up in Northamptonshire and, from a very young age, developed an interest in the natural world. His first love is the study and identification of wild birds and he enjoys the challenge of trying to identify birds by the way they move and act as well as by their calls and songs. His passion for bird and wildlife-watching has taken him all around the world and he's visited more than 50 countries. Neil is a retired Police Officer and, when not leading Naturetrek tours, spends much of his time completing various conservation and wildlife management surveys as well as volunteering for his local Wildlife Trust. He is also a licensed Bird Ringer and Trainer. During the winter months he maintains numerous wild bird feeding stations in central Northamptonshire and is a serving committee member of the Northants Bird Club.
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 24th Feb – Fri 28th Feb
SPACES
£1,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,145
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
Neil McMahon
Tour Leader: Neil McMahon
Neil McMahon grew up in Northamptonshire and, from a very young age, developed an interest in the natural world. His first love is the study and identification of wild birds and he enjoys the challenge of trying to identify birds by the way they move and act as well as by their calls and songs. His passion for bird and wildlife-watching has taken him all around the world and he's visited more than 50 countries. Neil is a retired Police Officer and, when not leading Naturetrek tours, spends much of his time completing various conservation and wildlife management surveys as well as volunteering for his local Wildlife Trust. He is also a licensed Bird Ringer and Trainer. During the winter months he maintains numerous wild bird feeding stations in central Northamptonshire and is a serving committee member of the Northants Bird Club.
Thu 4th Dec – Mon 8th Dec
SPACES
£1,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,145
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 24th Feb – Sat 28th Feb
SPACES
£1,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,245
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£255
Sat 5th Dec – Wed 9th Dec
SPACES
£1,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,245
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£255
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Among our programme is a significant range of short breaks, designed specially for those wishing to enjoy some of Europe’s top natural history highlights at the best time of year. All of these holidays have the bonus of being short-haul and supported by like-minded wildlife enthusiasts.
Naturetrek Short Break Wildlife Tours
Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme both within the UK and abroad. Most of our short breaks are within Europe, for convenience of travel.
For some of our mini-breaks there is an option to travel by plane or train, and we offer a choice of duration and type of break, from a weekend’s birdwatching in the Somerset Levels to a 6-day whale watching tour in the Azores.
A selection of our UK short breaks:
- A winter bird watching break in Norfolk
- An autumn holiday to enjoy the Red Deer rut in Ardnamurchan, Scotland
- A wildlife weekend in the New Forest
A selection of our overseas short breaks:
- In Spain we look for the world’s rarest cat, the Iberian Lynx
- Wolves on the plains in rural northern Spain
- An exploration of La Brenne’s exceptionally rich butterfly-life in northern France
Our specialist recommends...
"We offer two superb short breaks to the lovely island of Madeira in search of whales, dolphins and seabirds. It’s hard to beat our Just Brown Bears trip for families, while if you fancy something off the beaten track, try Estonia in Early Spring for some excellent spring birdwatching."
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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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?
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!
