France - Learning French in La Brenne

Summary

Known locally as ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes’, La Brenne harbours a rich tapestry of habitats including lakes and ponds, marshes, deciduous woods, dry heathland and farmland. This tour will be guided by local leader Emilie Mitchell, who has extensive knowledge and a passion for La Brenne, having lived and worked there for many years, 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, so the wildlife days which will mainly be concentrating on birds, will be relaxed. We will also include some cultural elements in this holiday with visits to two châteaux in the nearby Loire Valley, plus a tour and tasting at a small independent vineyard. This is also an ideal trip for the budding French speaker who wants to practise French while enjoying the autumnal wildlife of this quiet and little known wildlife-rich part of France. Emilie is French, but is married to fellow Naturetrek tour leader (and Englishman) Jason Mitchell, so while the aim of this holiday is to conduct it in French is so far as is possible, Emilie can switch into fluent English if needed!