| Contact Terry & Denise 0033 (0)561651897 inquiries@faunus.co.uk Also look at our other website Eco wildlife tours in the Pyrenees |
THE PYRENEES
ARIEGE FRANCE
All our Holidays are undertaken with the ECO ethos to protect the Wildlife
Day 1: Auzat.
A gentle 4-hour walk passes through extensive beech and silver fir woods, and spectacular flowers
that will literally astound you.
The acidic soil produces alpenrose, arnica, vanilla, bilberry, cowberry stars of Bethlehem, trumpet & yellow gentians, masses of deep pink bitter cress, numerous small orchids, the list goes on.
It is also a good site for the Alpine Accentor, Rock Thrush, Red Backed Shrike, and Rock Bunting,
along with Mouflon, Isard and Genets in the woods.
The area was also utilised for the introduction of young brown bears.
Day
2: Gorges de la Frau.
rich with rare orchids. Species include military, monkey, spider, woodcock, and bee orchids.
Don’t be surprised to see Greater, Lesser and Black Woodpeckers, Eagle and Tengmalm’s owls,
Honey Buzzards and Short toed eagles (often nest here along with Red billed and Alpine Choughs).
The lower scrub is also home to numerous Nightingales.
The strange endemic Pyrenean Desman has also been recorded here
Day
3: Mont Valier.
Passing between the two mountain peaks are the Spring & Autumn migration route for numerous species of birds, hundreds of Honey buzzards, Black & Red Kites, Marsh, Hen & Montague Harriers, Swallows Swifts and Shrikes.
This day offers countless breathtaking views and endless walks with the chance to spot the
huge Griffon Vultures and the Lammergeier that are nearly always seen.
Day
5: Orlu National reserve:
of its species on the continent. Orlu is also a superb place for flowers.
All our walks can be varied to suit you, most take a full day involving steady ascents, with regular stops to
observe and explore the area. Picnic lunches will be provided.
This
area of the Pyrenees
Ariege to date has never really found its niche.
The tin and copper mines have long since closed, while long ago they even turned to trapping wild brown
bears and taught them to dance in an attempt to bring tourists into the area.
The lack of industry, small population and relatively poor departmental status has helped keep Ariege
from being over exploited.
Although tourism is at last getting a brief foothold in the area it still remains a paradise for lovers of
wild places, apart from the odd French holiday period, the magnificent splendour of the Ariege can be
enjoyed away from the maddening crowds.
