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The
following is an example 5-day Wildlife Eco tour.
Day 1: Auzat. Set
between mountain lakes at an altitude of nearly 300 metres, this tour
takes you through marvellous high country that is rarely visited.
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’s
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. Famous
for Cathar castles, dramatic limestone gorges, extensive woodland
and botanically 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.
One of the oldest nature reserves in France, covering nearly 14 km².
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
Lammergeier that are nearly always seen.
Day 4: Canillo:
Great spot for raptor watching, superb 360 degree views, looking down
on to soaring Griffon Vultures, passing Golden Eagles, Rock Sparrow,
Capercaillie, Citril Finch, Woodlark, and Crested Tits, while the
lower slopes often provide breeding grounds for a low number of dotterel.
Day 5: Orlu National reserve:
Vast area of Woodland, mountain pasture and lakes, home to the European
free tailed bat, the biggest of it’s 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 lunch is included.
This area of the Pyrenees
This area of the Pyrenees has been very much neglected by tourism
and industry. 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.
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