Bird watching and nature

The Brenne Regional Nature Park - a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Known as the land of a 1,000 lakes. The lakes are not natural but man-made, starting with the Benedictine monks in the 11th Century who excavated dykes in the marshy terrain and stocked the lakes with fish. The largest lakes provide a natural environment to a fascinating, wide range of plant and animal life.

18km from Cléré du Bois is La Chérine nature preserve on 144ha. of which, 40 are covered by water. The lakes shelter several types of herons, including the purple heron, as well as ducks, frogs and harriers. Great crested and black necked grebes, bittern, reed warblers, black terns and whiskered terns nest in the lakes. There are several hides in the Brenne - an important stopover for European migratory birds such as cranes and wild geese. Over 260 species of birds have been observed and over 150 stop over to nest in the area. In the lakes 60 species of dragonfly, including calopteryxes and damselflies and numerous butterflies like swallow-tail, Camberwell beauty, silver-washed fritillary and purple emperor have been found.

Spring (mid-April to end of May) and Autumn (September to mid-October) are the best seasons to observe a wide variety of birds. The preserve is an ideal place to observe the European pond tortoise during Summer. You can take advantage of reduced travel and accommodation costs during these times – see our ferries, flights and fly-drive.

In Spring, the fields and hedgerows have a rich variety of flora, including several species of orchids, rock-rose, the martagon lily and ragged robin. The forests boast deer and boar with stone curlew, buzzards and harriers in the fields.

The Maison de la Parc (Brenne's wildlife visitor centre) is situated next to the Chérine National Nature Reserve. Outings can be organized throughout the year to discover the flora and fauna of the Brenne with an English-speaking guide.

Some of our guests filming serins opposite La Vieille Ferme.
They have this to say about their visit:

"Great hospitality. More than pleased to recommend
this venue for any bird and butterfly watchers
and also for anyone else interested in wild
flowers, especially orchids – plenty of rarities.
A month wouldn’t be too long.
Just off to see large copper butterflies and black necked
grebes. Plenty of good “birding”with nightingales,
oriales galore and very good butterflies too! Quite fun
exploring all the lanes. This is no ordinary place!
Great to come back to – many thanks."