A week in the French Pre-Alps, an attractive landscape of limestone hills and plateaux.

Our trip will be based in the area of the French regional natural park of Vercors. This lies in the south-eastern part of the country, near the borders with Switzerland and Italy. It incorporates the largest nature reserve in mainland France of around 17,000 ha. The area is part of the Pre-Alps limestone hills, which form a peripheral ring around the Alps, and our daily excursions will take us to explore the warm southern slopes. It is a superb area for sub-alpine flowers, which are easily accessible and can be seen without long treks. The insects and birds are impressive, with a fine array of butterflies, raptors, and many of the specialities of southern Europe.

Wildlife Travel has had many enjoyable holidays in this area in the past, the most recent being in 2010 and we are delighted to be able to return once again. The holiday will appeal to anyone who wishes to enjoy wild flowers on gentle walks through stunning scenery - plus there is the bonus of travelling by train rather than having to fly. Our visit is timed to make the most of the natural history, and especially the wild flowers. June is the period when the best of the flowers bloom, butterflies are flying and many birds are still breeding. Although our main focus is wild flowers, we should see plenty of animal life, and our itinerary offers the opportunity to gain a flavour of the history and some of the artisan activities of the area.

There are many beautiful, spectacular and species-rich places in France: with its combination of landscape, marvellous diversity of plants and animals, easy accessibility and remarkably unspoilt character, Vercors must rank amongst the best.

£1325 (SRS £95). Full Board.

Leaders: Brian and Fiona Gale

This holiday has been fully booked in recent years: to reserve your place, contact us now.