Parc naturel régional de la Brenne

We are also on the edge of the extraordinary Brenne Natural Regional Park, little-known but full of interest, it is a huge low-lying area of lakes, marshes, grasslands and woods, with wonderfully rich fauna and flora, particularly noted for its diverse birdlife, dragonflies, amphibians and reptiles.

The Brenne is picturesque throughout the year but for bird watching the best time is from late March to mid-July. Mid-May is a superb time to be here. All the migrant birds are back and singing or displaying, there are choruses of frogs and crickets, spring butterflies and other insects are abundant, and there are orchids (36 species) and other flowers throughout. There is a lushness and exuberance about the Brenne that is not readily found elsewhere, thanks, perhaps, to the abundance of water and the vast extent of interconnected habitats.

The interest in the area is not solely for its birds; the lakes are France’s most important sites for the striking little European tree-frogs, and parsley frogs are common, in addition to the other widespread amphibians and reptiles. Throughout the high summer months, fresh-water tortoises can be seen hauling out onto waterside logs for lazy sessions of sunning themselves. Then, there are the 63 types of Dragonfly and 115 Butterfly species.

The woodlands and heaths provide cover for the larger mammals – Pine and Beech Martins, Red Deer, Roe Deer, and Wild Boar. Wet meadows are often full of lax-flowered orchids, tongue orchids, viper’s grass and many other wetland flowers. On the limestone to the south, you should be able to see military and monkey orchids and many other limestone specialties.

There are a number of public hides not far from Chaillac Bed and Breakfast. During the summer there are two naturalists who staff the hides for two hours most mornings. One naturalist speaks English, the other only French but he makes up for it with a quick-draw guidebook and a well-practiced pointing finger.

Guided visits: Outings with a bilingual guide are organised throughout the year. Réserve de Chérine visits every Tuesday afternoon, April to June from 4pm to 6pm. A reservation is necessary as places are limited. Contact: mcherine@wanadoo.fr