The Area
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We have only included images of places and events you may encounter on the course.
Loudun is in an ideal base for visiting the Loire Valley and the local attractions of La Vienne region; for instance.......
Along the Loire Valley are the famous Chateaux of the Kings; the vineyards of Chinon and Saumur produce some of the finest wines in France and there are numerous local wine producers both small and large who welcome visitors; wine tasting ('degustation') is almost always available as they are rightly proud of their wines. Equally, the local farmers are proud of their picturesque fields of sunflowers, maize and melons.
Wildlife and birds of the Loire River
The Loire is one of the few remaining wild rivers of Western Europe and a major migration route for birds. The river and its banks contain many contrasting habitats, from open water and bare shingle banks to dense mature riparian forest.
Breeding bird species include many that are absent or rare in Britain: Osprey, Black kite, Corncrake, Stone curlew, Yellow-legged and Mediterranean gulls, Black and Middle Spotted woodpeckers, Bonelli’s warbler and many different migrant species in Spring and Autumn.
The Loire is also home to localised species of dragonflies, including both the Yellow-legged and Green Club-Tailed varieties. Wild European beavers have recently become well established along the banks of the Loire.
The Brenne
A wetland of international importance especially for rare aquatic species of plants and animals, La Brenne is nicknamed “the land of a thousand lakes”. As they cover a relatively small area, exploring the 2000 or more lakes from the narrow flower-verged lanes that criss-cross them is relatively easy. Among the 280 bird species that have been recorded, some of the rarer ones (Whiskered tern, Black-necked grebe, and Purple heron) breed in good numbers, and are easy to spot. Some, such as Little bittern, Black and Middle Spotted woodpeckers and Savi’s warbler, can take a little longer to find but patience is often rewarded.
La Brenne is also home to 110 species of butterfly, 62 species of dragonfly, a large population of European pond tortoises and many rare plants.
The L’Abbaye Fontevraud is just a few minutes' drive down the road. It is famous as the last resting place of King Richard the Lion Heart and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Founded by Robert l’Arbrissel it unusually included a nunnery and monastery together. After the revolution, it became a prison but is now being beautifully restored. L’Abbaye has been designated the ambassador site for the Loire Valley World Heritage by UNESCO. It is open all year except some public holidays and frequently hosts attractions, concerts and animations.
The walled town of Richelieu, founded by the famous Cardinal Richelieu, is also a shoet drive away. The 475 hectare 'Parc du Chateau' is set within 7 kilometers of wall and has enclosed areas of deer and other animals. This is an ideal location for walks, picnics, etc.
The zoo at Doué Le Fontaine is spectacular, set in
We have only included images of places and events you may encounter on the course.
Loudun is in an ideal base for visiting the Loire Valley and the local attractions of La Vienne region; for instance.......
Along the Loire Valley are the famous Chateaux of the Kings; the vineyards of Chinon and Saumur produce some of the finest wines in France and there are numerous local wine producers both small and large who welcome visitors; wine tasting ('degustation') is almost always available as they are rightly proud of their wines. Equally, the local farmers are proud of their picturesque fields of sunflowers, maize and melons.
Wildlife and birds of the Loire River
The Loire is one of the few remaining wild rivers of Western Europe and a major migration route for birds. The river and its banks contain many contrasting habitats, from open water and bare shingle banks to dense mature riparian forest.
Breeding bird species include many that are absent or rare in Britain: Osprey, Black kite, Corncrake, Stone curlew, Yellow-legged and Mediterranean gulls, Black and Middle Spotted woodpeckers, Bonelli’s warbler and many different migrant species in Spring and Autumn.
The Loire is also home to localised species of dragonflies, including both the Yellow-legged and Green Club-Tailed varieties. Wild European beavers have recently become well established along the banks of the Loire.
The Brenne
A wetland of international importance especially for rare aquatic species of plants and animals, La Brenne is nicknamed “the land of a thousand lakes”. As they cover a relatively small area, exploring the 2000 or more lakes from the narrow flower-verged lanes that criss-cross them is relatively easy. Among the 280 bird species that have been recorded, some of the rarer ones (Whiskered tern, Black-necked grebe, and Purple heron) breed in good numbers, and are easy to spot. Some, such as Little bittern, Black and Middle Spotted woodpeckers and Savi’s warbler, can take a little longer to find but patience is often rewarded.
La Brenne is also home to 110 species of butterfly, 62 species of dragonfly, a large population of European pond tortoises and many rare plants.
The L’Abbaye Fontevraud is just a few minutes' drive down the road. It is famous as the last resting place of King Richard the Lion Heart and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Founded by Robert l’Arbrissel it unusually included a nunnery and monastery together. After the revolution, it became a prison but is now being beautifully restored. L’Abbaye has been designated the ambassador site for the Loire Valley World Heritage by UNESCO. It is open all year except some public holidays and frequently hosts attractions, concerts and animations.
The walled town of Richelieu, founded by the famous Cardinal Richelieu, is also a shoet drive away. The 475 hectare 'Parc du Chateau' is set within 7 kilometers of wall and has enclosed areas of deer and other animals. This is an ideal location for walks, picnics, etc.
The zoo at Doué Le Fontaine is spectacular, set in
