www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Our summer holiday is booked! We'll be staying at Rochetaillée, near Bourg-d'Oisans which itself isn't too far from Grenoble, Switzerland or Italy! It falls under Isere, Rhone Alpes I believe.

The site itself sits in a river valley and is at 700m but surrounded by ranges much higher.

Trip booked for 11th - 22nd June.

I've been through Tolman and the list of possible species is amazing. Does anyone know of any sites nearby worth visiting or what I may see at that sort of location?

Thanks in advance,

Lee

I preface any comments with the fact that I have never been there in mid-June. But in mid-July it is probably one of the richest areas in terms of both species and densities. So it is likely to be very good in June as well.

Head south into the Parc National des Ecrins. The D530 through Venosc and beyond was very rich. The D526 south through Ornon is very good; continue to Entraigues and take the D117 toward Valjouffrey. The D117a up to Valsenestre is also very good.

If you head north, I would avoid l'Alpe d’Huez (a soulless ski town) and Besse. I found these to be what I call cow-country, grazing and rather sterile butterfly-wise even around the Col de Sarenne which is a very poor road up to 2000m.

Best to go through Allemont/Allemond on the D526 toward the Col du Glandon, through the hamlet of le Rivier d’Allemont (I think, but I may be wrong on this) and there will a bridge on a bend quite near a sign for the Foret de Vaujany. You can park there easily enough. This was quite a rich area, especially the track alongside the river. I was there on a dull day but I still saw Purple Emperor on the ground, and many others. This spot is worth a visit, but south of le Bourg d’Oisans is by far the richest area. I would not bother to go as far as the Col du Glandon or the Col de la Croix de Fer; they were quite thin even in mid-July and I think mid-June will be too early for the high altitude specialists.

I think it would be reasonable to 60-80 species if you spend most of your time butterfly-watching and you visit quite a few places. There is a small place in that region (which I regret I cannot divulge as I was told about it in absolute confidence) where I saw 65 species in one day.

Roger

Hi Roger,

Thanks for the pointers. I'll certianly try and investigate some of those areas. Sounds good

It's not a just a butterfly holiday but another French escape for me and my girlfriend. I'll endeavour to get out as much as I can though!

Thanks again,

Lee

Hi Roger,

Just to say that I have cross referenced your very detailed locations against google maps and those you suggest as good sites/routes all seem within easy reach of Rochetaillée.

I now have a good idea on where to head and I'm looking forward to the trip even more now!

Thanks again,

Lee