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Wildlife
and Countryside of Northern France
We provide birdwatching and wildlife tours in
Northern France which include daily guided excursions so please read on
to find out more.
All
birders know about the diversity of bird life in The Camargue, Le
Crau and the Pyrenees. But do you race through Normandy, Brittany and
Pays de la Loire to get there? What a pity! Read on!
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Swallowtail
Butterfly
(Click here
to enlarge)
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Blue-headed
Wagtail
(Click here
to enlarge)
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Northern
France Wildlife Tours, based in Averton, Mayenne, was born when Roy
and Shirley Croucher realised that breeding Black Woodpeckers, Little
Bustards and White Storks were well worth stopping for. When they found
country lanes lined with orchids and cowslips, over which danced
Swallowtail and Clouded Yellow Butterflies and Hummingbird Hawk Moths,
they were convinced!
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Local
countryside - bocage and pollards
(Click here
to enlarge)
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Young
Black Woodpecker
Photo – John Waterman
Sevenoaks R.S.P.B.
(Click here
to enlarge)
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The
extensive forests around Place de l'Eglise are home to Wild Boar and a
huge variety of other fauna and flora. We also organise trips further
afield for Ortolans, Bluethroats, Yelkouan Shearwaters, Bee-eaters,
Rock Sparrows and Blue-headed Wagtails.
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Sillé
Forest
(Click here
to enlarge)
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Bee-eaters
(Click here
to enlarge)
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These
all add up to a fascinating and stimulating itinerary. Also, since Roy
has a permit for mammal trapping, you may well have the opportunity for
a close encounter with a Garden Dormouse, Bi-coloured Shrew or Pine
Vole (perhaps!)
So,
whether you're a full-blooded birder or someone who just loves the
countryside and all its diversity of wildlife and habitats, you will
enjoy a memorable stay at Place de l'Eglise at a cost of only £650 per
week for full board and including daily guided excursions. We will not
normally cater for more than four people so personal attention is
guaranteed.
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We are based at Place de l'Eglise
Place de l'Eglise is a 12th century house (although
rebuilt in the 1650s) with a
fascinating history. It rests in the centre of the peaceful
agricultural village of Averton in Mayenne and has been sympathetically
refurbished to the highest standard. The base of your wildlife holiday
will be our home where you will find peace and comfort during your
stay. We have three guest bedrooms; one multi, one double and one
single. You will have your own first floor shower and toilet
facilities. Meals are a shared experience; international dishes
prepared and cooked by Shirley, who is a qualified chef. Wines from the
region enhance the inevitable conversations about the day's
discoveries. Evenings tend to find us gathered with a calvados to
discuss a few 'ticks'. Doubtless, on some evenings, you will wish to
explore some of the lovely walks nearby when, of course, our local
knowledge will be at your disposal. There is no public transport
locally.
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Place
de l'Eglise
(Click here
to enlarge)
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Interior
(Click here
to enlarge)
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