THE PYRENEES
FRENCH & SPANISH
The Pyrenean Mountains are one of the last great wilderness areas left in Europe. The high craggy peaks and the steepsided forested valleys harbour an amazing variety of wildlife that has endured the long presence of man in this timeless landscape. We start in verdant Tor, close to the Andorran border, and in the magnificent 'enchanted mountains' of Aigues Tortes, one of Spain's most beautiful National Parks. Apollos float over carpets of beautiful blue Gentians, pink Primulas and elegant Snowbells.
Lammergeiers and Golden Eagles cruise the blue skies and the characteristic sharp cries of yellow-billed Alpine Choughs lend atmosphere to the stunning landscapes. Below, the Rio Noguerra Pallaresa Valley descends through aromatic meadows and woodlands whose diversity of butterflies is almost without equal in Europe. Twin-spot Fritillary, Spanish Purple Hairstreak, Turquoise Blue, Marbled Fritillary and Pygmy Skipper are among more than 110 species you can expect to see during this holiday. White Pyrenean Saxifrages decorate cliffs like miniature waterfalls and lovely blue Ramonda myconi forms pretty gardens on wet rockfaces. Neouvielle on the French side is a land of alpine grasslands, crystal clear lakes, forests of Beech and Silver Fir and snow-capped mountains. Ptarmigan and Alpine Accentors inhabit passes where Androsaces and Saxifrages cling tightly to rocks. Many rare and beautiful plants are found in the magical Cirque de Gavarnie which is also home to Gavarnie Blue and Lefebvre's Ringlet. Snowfinches, Capercaillie, Bee-eaters, maybe a Chamois or a Wild Boar, and always beautiful scenery and good food - you'll want to come here again!
INFORMATION
Focus
Butterflies, Flowers, Birds and Mountain Scenery - all in equal magnificence.
Leaders
Walking
We will be ambling no more than two or three miles a day and the pace is always slow, ideally suited to photographers.
Included in the Price
All flights. Transport, accommodation and all meals in Spain and France. Services of your leaders. Please Note: Drinks, tips, and items of a personal nature such as travel insurance, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 5 and the maximum is 15. Only one leader will accompany a group of 6 or less.
Accommodation
For the first week we’ll be based in the pretty little village of Alins on the banks of the Rio Ferrara, a gorgeous flower and butterfly filled valley that descends from the Andorran border. The magnificent Aigues Tortes National Park starts just to our west. We’ll stay at the agreeable Hotel Montana which has pleasant and comfortable rooms. There’s also plenty of walks around the village and surrounding meadows. Moving across the border we have three nights at the Hotel l’Angleterre in Arreau, delightfully situated in the Neste d’Aure Valley. Rooms are well-appointed and the restaurant produces a varied menu to a high standard. The last three nights will be in the comfortable Hotel Le Marbore outside Gavarnie. All rooms on this tour have en suite facilities.
Climate
Warm and sunny, midday temperatures sometimes reach 30ºC, though it is cooler in the high mountains. Evenings are pleasant and nights cool. There will almost certainly be a few showers during the holiday, and occasionally more prolonged rain.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Flower, bird and butterfly checklists are available.
