France - La Brenne

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