France - La Brenne

Tour Code: FRA09

An 8-day holiday - in search of birds, plants and butterflies - to one of the richest, if less well-known, natural history destinations in France.

8 days from
£1,795 (Inc train)

Land only price from
£1,645

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Highlights

Summary

Known locally as ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes’, La Brenne harbours a rich tapestry of habitats including marshes, deciduous woods, dry heathland and farmland. This tour will be guided by a local leader - either Jason or Emilie Mitchell - who has an extensive knowledge and passion for La Brenne, helping make our tour so very special. Though rich in interest, La Brenne is not an extensive area and most habitats are within a short drive of our hotel at Mézières. This, therefore, is an ideal trip for the all-round naturalist, or the botanist, entomologist or birdwatcher who prefers more relaxed natural history outings.

Travel by train on a flight-free holiday!
Enjoy a feast of fauna & flora in this quiet, picturesque corner of France
Impressive heronries are a highlight
16 species of warbler possible, including Bonelli's, Great Reed & Melodious
Enjoy a wealth of butterfly species not found in the UK
Up to 36 orchid species possible, including Early Spider, Lizard & Tongue
Red Squirrel & Wild Boar are amongst the mammals here
Led by a local Naturetrek naturalist

Grading

Grade A. Day walks only.

La Brenne lies in an area of central France south of the Loire, about 80 kilometres south-east of Tours and 80 kilometres east of Poitiers. It is known locally as ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes’ because of the numerous pools, mostly man-made, which dot its landscapes. Owing to the French appetite for freshwater fish, these have been managed over the centuries for fishing, and being privately owned by numerous smallholders, a rich tapestry of habitats has developed, including marshes, deciduous woods, dry heathland and farmland.

La Brenne is both the home and workplace of our local guides, Jason and Emilie Mitchell. Jason has been visiting La Brenne at least annually since 2001, and the region's exceptional wildlife and unique ambiance prompted him to move there with his family in 2013. Both Jason and Emilie have an exceptional knowledge and passion for this little-known wildlife gem lost in central France.

La Brenne has a dense population of breeding birds in the spring. Its heronries are of particular note, with good populations of both Grey and Purple Herons, Little Egrets, and Cattle Egrets (a recent colonist). Night Herons, Bittern and Little Bittern may also be seen with a little luck, whilst a careful search of the lakes reveals breeding Black-necked Grebes and Garganey, and overhead Black and Whiskered Terns — the latter more numerous here than anywhere else in France. No fewer than 16 species of warbler have bred in the area, and these include Savi’s, Great Reed, Cetti’s, Fantailed, Melodious, Dartford and Bonelli’s Warblers. The variety of habitats is particularly appealing to birds of prey. Whilst Black Kites, Short-toed Eagles and Honey Buzzards may be seen over the woodlands, Marsh, Montagu’s and Hen Harriers quarter reedbeds, marshes and arable land, and the dashing Hobby may be seen almost anywhere. In the farmland Quail and Stone Curlew may be found; in orchards and woodland are Wrynecks, Red-backed Shrikes, Black Redstarts, Short-toed Treecreepers, Serins and Cirl Buntings. The calls of Hoopoes and Golden Orioles, and liquid songs of Nightingales complete this classic collection of European birds. Although some of these birds, such as Montagu’s and Marsh Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Stone Curlew and Cirl Bunting occur locally or in small numbers in southern England, in La Brenne they are widespread and common. Likewise, a number of butterflies that are rare in England are common in La Brenne. These include the Large Tortoiseshell, Swallowtail, Scarce Swallowtail, White Admiral and Purple Emperor.

Most remarkably, no fewer than 36 species of orchid occur in the area! Whilst they are not all in flower at the same time, species we have seen on previous visits at this time of year include Early Spider (Ophrys sphegodes), Fly (Ophrys insectifera), Monkey (Orchis simia), Burnt Tip (Orchis ustulata), Lizard (Himantoglossum hiricinum), Tongue (Serapias lingua) and Violet Bird’s Nest Orchid (Limodorum abortivum). Other plants of interest that we should see include Milkweed (Vincetoxicum hirundinaria), White Asphodel (Asphodelus albus), Greater Broomrape (Orobanche rapum-genistae), Hairy Spurge (Euphorbia villosa), Blue Bugle (Ajuga genevensis) and Viper’s Grass (Scorzonera humilis).

Though rich in interest, La Brenne is not an extensive area and most habitats are within short drives of our hotel at Mézières. Thus we can maximise our time spent in the field, limiting the time spent in minibuses. This, therefore, is an ideal trip for the all-round naturalist, or the botanist, entomologist or birdwatcher who prefers unhurried outings, with the opportunity to sit for an hour or more by a lake watching a colony of Whiskered Terns, observing dragonflies, or searching for orchids.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Eurostar and TGV from London St. Pancras to Tours, via Lille or Paris, and drive to La Brenne

Day 2/7

La Brenne

Day 8

Drive Tours for TGV and Eurostar to London St. Pancras

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Trains
Accommodation:
A smalll, comfortable hotel with en suite rooms.
Food:
All included in the price, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8

Reviews

Emilie Mitchell was one of the best leaders I have ever experienced. She was interested in all aspects of natural history (flowers, butterflies, dragonflies and birds) and very knowledgeable. Supplied an excellent picnic lunch every day with wine. Faultless.
N.T. Oxfordshire, May 23
There were a number of wildlife watching highlights, including sightings of nightjars on an after dinner evening walk which Emilie led, also a trip to a bee-eater colony. The whole range of wildlife covered (birds, dragonflies, orchids, etc) gave a variety which was in itself a highlight. Emilie shared her expertise and knowledge of the area, and gave a lot of time to ensure that the whole group had a wonderful holiday.
P.R. Oxfordshire, May 23
A general wildlife watching week, staying in a small country hotel in the La Brenne region of Central France. The weather was brilliant, the birds, butterflies and dragonflies were excellent as were all the flowers, allayed possible by our excellent guide Emilie. The hotel overlooked one of the many Brenne etangs (lakes), the rooms were simple but comfortable and clean, while the food was exceptional. Getting there and back by train was a distinct bonus. We have travelled with Naturetrek more than 15 times so far (one more booked for November), and have always hasps excellent holidays. They are reliable and provide an excellent service for a reasonable price.
J.H. Hampshire, May 23

We travelled by train to central France and then stayed in an area called La Brenne. It has literally hundreds of lakes which have been use as fish farms for hundreds of years. As a result of this it is a haven for birds, insects and flowers. We stayed in the hamlet of La Gabriere in a little hotel. The rooms were basic but comfortable with views over the village lake. The food was excellent. Our guide was superb and took us out each day to a variety of habitats and we saw so many species of orchids, butterflies, dragonflies and birds. She also provided a wonderful picnic for us in the middle of the day.
J.V. Leicestershire, May 23

The knowledge and expertise of the guides, plus their good nature and patience. Always helpful and observant of individuals needs/wants. Both a holiday and an educational experience, for someone with a little knowledge of wildlife and wanting to know more. I think being shown places that on our own we would have missed and being given an insight into the lives, and risks to, the wildlife we saw.
I.D. Wiltshire, May 19

This was a very interesting and enjoyable trip with a friendly group. The presence of a botanical leader as well as the bird leader, Tom, catered for the wide range of the levels of knowledge and interest in the group.
A.T. Hampshire

A most enjoyable week with two cheerful leaders who were outstanding in finding plants and birds. Tony gave us a good welcome with tasty picnics at a different site each day. His company and local expertise were much appreciated. I would like to recommend the La Brenne trip to anyone, and would like to repeat it one day.
D.R. Wiltshire

Simon is an exceptional tour leader, relaxed but responsive, enthusiastic and inclusive both in terms of the diversity of wildlife and the spread of participants interests. Tom's experience of our leading and detailed knowledge of La Brenne also added greatly to the successive outcome.
Mr & Mrs B. Staffordshire

The two guides, Tom and Simon, were superb. Their knowledge and their patience were beyond reproach.
S.A.L. Middlesex

An excellent week full of variety and wildlife interest in a fascinating area of France. So pleased the travel was by train not plane.
A.K. Devon

One of the best ever! (1) Lovely varied programme - every day we had flowers, birds, insects. (2) Lovely to go by Eurostar, so easy. (3) Hotel comfortable with good food, family run and unpretentious (4) Excellent Leaders, who passed on their enthusiasm and were knowledgeable and concerned for our well-being. Good local contact. (5) More of the same, please. (6) I am now enthused with moths!
Mrs S. Cambridgeshire

Your leaders were excellent, very knowledgeable, particularly with birds, but it was such a delight to have younger, fun leaders. They were full of enthusiasm, and made a wonderful team. The most enjoyable leaders I have had on my Naturetrek holidays. I enjoyed the holiday very much, it was a good crowd of people and crowned by excellent leaders.
Mrs S. Surrey

This trip to La Brenne was my first Naturetrek holiday I had been on. I thought it was brilliant and hugely enjoyed myself. The trip leaders, Simon and Graham, were superb and both had a vast knowledge on all aspects of wildlife. I especially enjoyed this holiday due to it covering all areas of wildlife like butterflies, birds, orchids and dragonflies. My personal highlight of the trip was the Limestone Valley, with its hundreds of Pyramidal orchids and Adonis Blue butterflies. I will certainly consider travelling with Naturetrek in the future.
M.M. Norfolk

Despite the inclement weather during the first three days I had a great holiday. Our leaders, Jessica and Jim, were both excellent in their subject knowledge, their lunch preparation and their good humour.
C.R. Kent

I would like to commend James Andrews' skills, firstly at being able to locate birds and secondly his ability at getting clients to see them. He displayed considerable patience and enthusiasm that made the trip for me. Having birdwatched for many years, I haven't come across anyone who is as good at identifying species both visually and also on the basis of their calls. Jessica was also a very good leader. Although I'm not so interested in flowers, her knowledge and enthusiasm added considerably to the trip.
S.T. Yorkshire

Enjoyed the 'all-inclusive' element of the trip. Food ranged from good local Spanish (home cooked) to very modern. Considering that we are not keen birders, this was a most enjoyable trip - made even more so by the two great leaders.
W.C. Hampshire

Our two leaders, Simon Tonkin and Jason Mitchell were outstanding. From the beginning to the end of the tour nothing was too much trouble to them. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, organisation and people skills were absolutely brilliant. A real credit to Naturetrek.
P.B. Lancashire

We were impressed from the very first minute. We went through the gates at St Pancras International and there was Simon to meet and greet us. Such first impressions matter and prefigured the care and help which was shown to every member of the party throughout the tour and on the journeys. Not only were species identified but explanations of behaviour offered. It was far more than a 'tick list' exercise. We learned a lot. The whole tour was an excellent experience.
Mr & Mrs E. Derbyshire

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Thu 15th May – Thu 22nd May FULL £1,795

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,645

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£150

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Emilie Mitchell

Tour Leader: Emilie Mitchell

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Wed 20th May – Wed 27th May SPACES £1,795

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,645

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£150

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There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.  
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?

All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife

What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?

Travel with a group of like-minded people
Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora

In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.  

Our specialist recommends...


"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour” 

David Tattersfield - Tour Leader

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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

  
 
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It is also the case that many of our other holidays within Europe are also accessible by rail. Generally, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we’d be pleased to offer advice to anybody who wishes to join any of our tours within Europe by a means other than flying!

Our specialist recommends...


"Our Picos & Plains tour offers an environmentally-friendly route down to Spain for some excellent birding and cetacean-watching. More broadly, we’re very keen for Naturetrek to offer the most dynamic, market-leading carbon-reduced holidays available, and we hope you enjoy browsing our list of no-flight wildlife holidays!” 

Kerrie Porteous - Operations Manager

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Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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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.

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Tour Reports

Tour report - May 2017

Tour report - May 2015

Tour report - May 2014

Tour report - May 2013

Tour report - May 2012

Tour report - May 2011

Tour report - May 2010

Tour report - May 2009

Tour report - May 2008

Tour report - May 2007

Tour report - May 2006

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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!