Here’s a guilt-free opportunity for bird watchers. You can now combine a stunning birdwatching holiday in France’s Camargue with plenty of activities for your less-enthusiastic partner. A win-win situation!
Nigel and Georgina Messenger have launched a new enterprise dedicated to bringing British birdwatchers and nature lovers to the Camargue region of Southern Provence. Nigel, as a keen birdwatcher, has for several years travelled the world on both organised and self-planned birdwatching holidays. Georgina has been reluctant to accompany him on most of these trips as it has never been her idea of fun getting up at 4 o’clock in the morning and driving along bumpy roads for hours on end! How to combine the interests of enthusiastic birders, and their not-so enthusiastic partners?Thus an idea was born ; to provide an excellent week’s birdwatching, based in a top quality, luxury hotel, with a separate itinerary for a non-birdwatching partner. This to involve both traditional regional activities, and slightly more decadent treats.
Being familiar with the region from many visits over the years, the Camargue area of Southern Provence was the obvious choice of location for the new company. This area provides some of the best birdwatching opportunities in Europe, combined, in our home town of Arles, with beautiful architecture and history stretching back to Roman times. The artistic legacy of Vincent van Gogh, the fire and passion of the Feria, and of course the legendary gastronomy of Provence are added attractions. The landscape combines the flatlands of the Camargue delta with the beautiful rocky Alpilles, fields of sunflowers, olive groves and orchards. The Camargue is home to the semi-wild white Camargue ponies, and the black Camargue bulls, which are still raised and herded by the Gardianes, the French equivalent of the cowboy.
Birders will not need to be reminded of the attractions of the Camargue. The proximity of several diverse habitats within a relatively small area allied with its position on a major migration route make it an essential destination both for novice and experienced birders. One of the chief attractions is the resident population of Greater Flamingoes, a sight only to be seen in a handful of locations in the whole of Europe. The beach across the river mouth has breeding Kentish Plover as well as Tawny Pipit and Short toed Lark in the dunes. The wealth of migrating waders that use this area in season is very impressive and during recent winters it has also attracted a number of vagrant raptors including Spotted, Lesser Spotted and Bonelli’s Eagles. In summer the saline lagoons behind the beach are full of breeding waders such as Avocet and Black winged Stilt, terns such as Sandwich, Little, Whiskered and the rare Gull-billed, and gulls such as Yellow-legged, Mediterranean and Slender billed. The sight and sound of these many thousands of birds in their compact breeding colonies is truly unforgettable.
The partner activities on offer will appeal equally to nature lovers, gourmets, gourmands and those who appreciate being pampered. They include:
• Wine tasting and tour of an organic vineyard
• Lunch at a renowned organic country restaurant, with a tour of their own beautiful potager
• A “balade a poney”, a little countryside amble on a Camargue pony
• A visit to a local chevre cheesemaker
• Visit to an organic breeder of Camargue bulls
• A visit to a museum of aromas and perfume
• Steam bath and body scrub at a local hammam
And more, according to season. Time will be set aside during each week for shopping or relaxing.
“We are not aiming at the hard core twitcher, rather those who are interested in a leisurely week’s birdwatching, with good accommodation and excellent food, while the “other half” relaxes. We will, of course, be pleased to quote for customised trips for groups, based on their specific tastes and budget. We want everyone to come and enjoy the Camargue as we do!”, say Nigel and Georgina.
More information on their website at www.belle-equipe-birding.com.
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