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…
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.
For more information:
Camping Kawan Les Peupliers
Our other campsites in the Aveyron:
Camping Kawan Marmotel
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.
For more information:
Camping Kawan Le Pré Lombard
Other campsites in the Pyrénées:
Camping Kawan Le Lavedan
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.
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.
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.
For more information:
Camping Kawan Nordsø 
