river, woodland and grassland, Dordogne

Dordogne - relaxed spring wildlife (by train)

A week enjoying the wildlife of the woodlands, river valleys and limestone plateaux of the Dordogne in the heart of south-west France.
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Wildlife Travel leaflet Dordogne 2025

Dates

12th – 19th May 2025

new holiday

fully booked
Leaders 

Laurie Jackson with Jason Mitchell

Price

£2,220

Single Room Supplement – £220

Included

Return train travel from London St Pancras, local transport as specified in the itinerary. Seven nights’ accommodation, full board.

Not included

Refreshments. Gratuities. Travel insurance. Covid tests and associated costs.

Group size

Minimum 4, maximum 7.

Our travels will take us through the wide valleys of the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers with opportunities to explore their diverse woodlands, wetlands, and of course the flower-rich limestone plateaux of the ‘causses’.

Their dry stony soils and warm climate gives the causses an interesting Mediterranean feel and we can expect to find a good selection of orchids and other plants at this time of year. Our visit falls during the busy bird breeding season with Golden Oriole, Turtle Dove and Nightingale likely to join the soundtrack here. The causses support an abundance of butterflies, hopefully providing the chance to get to grips with various blues, fritillaries and skippers.

Passing through the river valleys clad in oak woodland we will see outcrops of high, sculpted limestone cliffs, providing dramatic views along with opportunities to spot Griffon Vultures, Crag Martins, Ravens or a passing Booted Eagle.

As well as time on the causses, we will visit the wetlands at Tourbières de Vendoire, an important area of damp meadows and peat bog, with a rich dragonfly community, which will be starting to emerge. We will also spend a day in the Forêt de la Bessède, which is largely on acidic sandy soils providing a different habitat with an interesting mix of Sweet Chestnut, pine and oak.

Our trip will also give us the opportunity to enjoy some of the region’s beautiful scenery, and attractive villages and towns, and will appeal to anyone who wishes to enjoy pleasant walks filled with spring wildlife, with the bonus of travelling by train.

Please note that holidays change, although sometimes only slightly, from year to year and previous trip reports may not reflect the planned itinerary, or other holiday details, for the current trip. Please ask us if you would like to know of any significant differences.

Contact us to reserve your place