Camping in the wild

If there is one type of holiday that enables you to come in direct contact with nature, it is camping. Depending on your destination, you may admire rare species of birds, wild orchids and astonishing insects in front of your caravan. Thus, conscious of this fact, several campsites have decided to emphasize the wildlife and pretty nature surrounding their grounds and are organising guided walks and theme outings. The list is non-exhaustive…

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France - Aveyron

Of all regions in France, the Aveyron is the one home to one of the most impressive varieties of animal species. Do not expect to observe the larger mammals, though; perhaps a beaver or two swimming in the waters of the Tarn or Dourbie rivers. Here it is in the grass at your feet that things happen, as this region boasts one of the richest insect populations in France. In effect, the film Microcosmos was shot here and the museum Micropolis inaugurated. The Grands Causses are situated in the southern region of the Aveyron, in which you may admire a multitude of orchids; in particular its own species, the Aveyron Orchid. Lift your eyes and admire the impressive vultures soaring in the skies around the Tarn and Jonte gorges.

Kawan Les Peupliers has created an Internet site devoted to this theme: www.wildlife-holiday.com. This web site is displayed in French and English and presents a wealth of information and photos of vultures, insects and orchids.We would like to stress again that it is common to observe vultures circling above the cliffs of the Tarn gorges directly from the campsite; or beavers swimming in the waters of the Tarn at dusk.

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France - Pyrénées

Due to their lack of human population and diverse landscapes, mountainous regions are a popular destination for the observation of flora and fauna. The Pyrenees is no exception. In addition to a magnificent wealth of mammals and flowers, the Pyrenees chain is home to rare species of birds, such as the Bearded Vulture.

At the edge of Cathar country, the campsite Kawan Le Pré Lombard is organising a number of guided outings; in particular during the second half of May. Last year a biologist introduced an excursion that met with great success. The campsite therefore decided to renew this experience and Wim Pfaff will guide (if he has enough interested participants) several flora and fauna of the Pyrenees theme outings.

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France - Drôme

The Griffon Vulture was successfully reintroduced in the Drôme several years ago and today feels perfectly at home amongst the limestone cliffs of the Vercors. So that you may admire this majestic bird of prey, the campsite Kawan L’Hirondelle proposes walks accompanied by a mountain guide, leading you to the Chamaloc aviary (to the overhangs where the vultures feed). In addition to the vulture, your guide will introduce you to the natural wonders of the flora and fauna of the Vercors.

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France - Baie de Somme

The Somme Bay is an exceptional region from an ornithological point of view.There are 340 species of birds (migratory and sedentary) inventoried here. Conscious of this outstanding wealth, the region has created a park devoted to bird watching - the Marquenterre sanctuary and the Maison de l’Oiseau, a bird observation and discovery centre.Three campsites situated in the Somme Bay (Kawan La Ferme des Aulnes, Kawan Le Val d’Authie and Camping Le Ridin) have organised 5-day packages (Sunday to Friday), proposing a visit to the bird sanctuary and the Maison de l’Oiseau, as well as a guided crossing of the bay (returning by a small Somme Bay train). Please note that the region also hosts the annual Festival de l’Oiseau during the month of April. For further information on the programmes of these three campsites, or on ornithology in the Somme Bay, please contact the campsites directly.

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Denmark

The Tiperne Peninsula, situated 1/2 hour from the Danish campsite Kawan Nordsø, is a region particularly popular for migratory birds. Thus, a vast birdlife sanctuary has been created, enabling visitors to observe approximately 350 species, such as the White-tailed Eagle and the swan. In order to facilitate your bird watching experience, 9 towers have been set up throughout the peninsula. Nordsø organises guided bird watching walks for its guests. The dates of these outings, taking place at the beginning of spring, are available on Nordsø’s website. In order to fully benefit from your walk, binoculars are available at the campsite’s reception.