Vallon Pont d'Arc, Ardèche, Rhône-Alpes

[Lee Hurrell]

We are just planning our summer jaunt to France and we are looking at staying at Vallon Pont d'Arc, Ardèche, Rhône-Alpes.

Timewise, a bit later this year, the second and third weeks of September.

It's right at the opening of the Ardèche Gorge and we'll be pretty much between the Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l'Ardèche, the Parc Natural des Cevennes and the Parc Naturel régional des Monts d'Ardèche.

Does anyone know of any good butterfly sites nearby or locations worth a visit?

Thanks in advance,

Lee

[Mark Colvin]

Hi Lee,

I can't help you with any butterfly locations but I've kayaked down through the Gorges de l'Ardèche and what a fabulous place it was.

I wish I was going ...

Have fun.

Kind regards. Mark

[David M]

Not an area of France I'm terribly familiar with but I do know you will almost certainly have glorious weather.

It'll be interesting to see what's on the wing at that time of year.

[Lee Hurrell]

Thanks chaps.

The time of year worries me a little, but not too much.

I think I would have to try a spring trip on my own - not enough sun for some

Cheers

Lee

[David M]

Yes, I'd always opt for spring over autumn but as you say, the weather is far less predictable (though at that latitude I doubt it would be too awful for butterfly hunting).

[Roger Gibbons]

Mid-September will be rather late for most species, but Satyrids are generally on the wing until the end of September (and beyond). I passed through the Cevennes in late August a couple of years ago and quite a lot was flying but by the second half of September I would expect it to be a lot quieter. Look out for Woodland Grayling, Tree Grayling, Autumn Ringlet, maybe Striped Grayling.

The whole area is quite magnificent. We stayed at the Belvedere hotel just outside Vallon Pont d’Arc which was very pleasant and right in the middle of the gorge area. The town of Pont St Esprit was interesting and a bit further east is Orange. All vey good for sightseeing.

If you wanted to combine scenery and butterflies, I would recommend the Verdon Gorge in May or June.

[Lee Hurrell]

Many thanks, Roger.

I might see if I can bring the time forward a little...

Best wishes,

Lee