Haut-Languedoc
Unknown, unspoilt and probably under-watched, the Haut Languedoc regional park, not far from the Mediterranean coast and half-way between the Pyrenees and the Cévennes, is worth a visit for the scenery alone. Steep-sided limestone gorges, lake-topped plateaux and low mountains are home to a wide range of southern species with birds of prey being of particular interest. The list is long, here we give a few of the more interesting: Griffon vulture, Bonelli’s eagle, Eagle owl, Blue Rock thrush, Crag martin, Hoopoe, continental Dipper, and many of the Mediterranean warblers.
The area can be very good for raptor migration (particularly Honey Buzzards) in early autumn.
Other wildlife is also of great interest and butterfly enthusiasts will enjoy southern species such as Provence Orange Tip and Cleopatra, to name just two of many.
A visit here can easily be combined with the nearby Narbonnaise regional park, the Cévénnes national park or even the Eastern French Pyrenees and the cultural heritage interest of the Cathar country.
What to see and where
Top birding sites
Minervois
Massif du Caroux
Causse de Caucalières
Top bird species
Griffon vulture
Bonelli’s eagle
Eagle owl
Alpine accentor
Blue rock thrush
Lesser kestrel
Bee-eater
Other wildlife
Orchids
Drosophera
Bats
Butterflies
Ocellated lizard &
other reptiles
Moufflon
(a Corsican mountain sheep!)
Getting there
Travel by plane
Carcassonne
Béziers
Montpellier
Travel by train
London – Lille – Montpellier
London – Paris – Béziers/Narbonne
Other train stations nearby:
Castres
Local transport
Car rental from:
Narbonne or Béziers train stations
Carcassonne, Béziers & Montpellier airports
Local bus network
Bicyles for rent
Extensive cycle routes
along the Green way
Useful tips
Plan to stay a week
London – Avignon direct
Allow 30 - 40 km/day
Nearest airports:
Combine with Narbonnaise for a 10-14 day stay
Car rental:
Accommodation
Local food
Cow and ewe’s milk cheeses, Lacaune charcuterie
Brown trout
Minervois wines: St Chinian and Faugères
Chestnut honey, sweet chestnut purée