Birdingpal.org
The Bird Watching Club for World Travelers

France

You don't need to be an expert birder to contact a Pal.  Together you have love for nature, birds, new countries and learning.

These are serious birdwatchers willing to share their time to help you.  It is a privilege to contact them.  Your message should be respectful.

A Birding Pal does not charge a fee, however you should pay for their expenses, transportation costs, entrance fees, meals, etc.

Pals will answer your messages quickly, if they can.  You might select someone who is traveling, so write to more than one Pal, and be patient.  Let us know if someone doesn't answer and we'll check that everything is okay.

Let us know when you are going to meet a Pal, and then let us know how it went.

Happy birding.


A.Callec


A.Callec



Maps
grenobleAlpesFrance
Area


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English


Note

Every day I observe the birds and I like to get up early to go into nature and to sleep in the mountains.

I am fortunate to work in a local government to preserve the biodiversity and protected areas : Espaces naturels sensibles de l'Isa re -


Area
Reserves et ENS Vercors, Belledonne, Oisans

Area Birds
griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Willow Grouse, wall creeper, pygmy owl...


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, photography, skiing, swimming, walking, canoe, ship, snow museum, restaurant, wine,


S.Wroza


S.Wroza



Maps
VersaillesYvelinesFrance


Available
Weekends

Languages
English, Polish, a little German


Note

Just let me know what birds you're looking for. During appropriate season I can also show you most of the snakes of Northern France.


Area
Surroundings of Paris

Area Birds
depending a lot on the season


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, photography, butterflies, dragonflies, herptiles, mammals...


T.Lengagne


T.Lengagne



Maps
LyonAuraFrance


Available
mostly week end

Languages
french, english


Note

I'm a keen birder and have a broad knowledge of French natural history. I'm available for guiding in the Lyon region (and beyond, depending on what you want to see!). Diverse habitats close by including wetlands, woodlands and mountain forests. For the avid twitcher, 70 species in a day is possible in spring.


Area


Area Birds
dombes area near Lyon


Interests
Nature: birdwatching,photography, walking, tourist site, museum, restaurant, vineyard, monument, arboretum, architecture app


MGrienenberger


MGrienenberger



Maps
La PommeraieVendeeFrance


Available
Weekends

Languages
French, English


Note

I can guide you, and if not available, i can advise you for spots where you can go around my home, which is situated in Eastern Vendee. Species you can expect are:


Area
Ca te vendeene/Etangs et plaine des Deux-Sa vres

Area Birds
-In Deux-Sevres: Little Bustard, Montagu's and Hen , Harrier, Stone Curlew, Red-backed and Woodchat Shrikes, Black-Shouldered Kite, Wood Lark, Hoopoe, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Corn and Cirl Bunting, Cetti's and Bonelli's Warbler, Short-toed Eagle, Little Owl and Nightjar -In Vendee: lots of waders, mostly coastal birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies, fishing, skiing, swimming, beach, surfing, snowmobiling, sky divingTravel: stroll, walking, hiking, climbing, train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, packpack, portage, canoe, ship, cruise, pilot, dog sled, snow mobileVisit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, ski run/trail, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, fashion, techAttend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition, swapParticipate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games, casino


M. Crouzier


M. Crouzier



Maps
Chavannes sur SuranRhône-AlpesFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English, some deutsch


Note

I like very much observing birds, and I spend a lot of time for it. I can with pleasure go with Birdingpal birders or advise them about good spot or good species and my house is big and possibly a punctual hebergement can be possible.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


D. Dehghan


D. Dehghan



Maps
ParisIle de FranceFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English Spanish


Note

I live south of Paris, but can cover it. I am still new at birding, so not that much skill at the moment, but always improving.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


C. Thornton


C. Thornton



Maps
BourgoinJallieuFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
English, French


Note

Bourgoin Jallieu is 25 mins train or car East of Lyon, and <1 hour from Grenoble, Chambery, Vienne. Keen amateur birder for 30 years now and active in local environment associations. Work at home so can find time week or weekends.

I know well our local are (Ile Cremieu), mix of chalk plateau, lakes, marshes, but also Dombes or further. In summer, good birding with walking in the Alps. I have had great birdingpals both coming here, and away when I've been on business travel. You're welcome.


Area
East of Lyon, Dombes, Ile Cremieu, North Alps, Val de Saone

Area Birds
Hawfinch, Middle spotted woodpecker, Bee-eater, Marsh warbler, Little bittern


Interests
Birds and songs, both local and more uncommon, dragonflies, butterflies. Mouflon, chamois, ibex and deer in the Alps.


G. Rolin


G. Rolin



Maps
DroyesChampagneFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages
Francais Fluent English a little bit of German


Note

I live in the small village of Droyes, 6 km away from the Lake Der Chantecoq, about 30 km from the towns of Saint-Dizier and Vitry-le -François. Situated 120 miles East of Paris, Der-Chantecoq lake is the second largest artificial lake in Western Europe and one of the best birding destinations in France. From October to February, it hosts (tens of) thousands of Common Cranes, over 20 species of swans, geese and ducks and many other migrating or wintering species such as the White-tailed Sea-Eagle. It is also a very interesting area in Spring and Summer with, for ewample, 8 nesting species of Ardeidae and numerous other birds due to its varied habitat. With fine weather conditions, you should expect to see betwwen 60 and 80 bird species in a single day. I have beeen birdwatching in this area since 1982 and I should be able to help you to find many species and to arrange your stay. I am also interested in insects and photographyand I love travelling as do my wife and my two children. I can also organize day trips to find particular species such as Red-necked Grebe, European Bee-eater, Collared Flycatcher and many others depending on the time of the year. I am available on weekends and sometimes during school holidays.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


A. Hiley


A. Hiley



Maps
AmiensPicardyFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
English, French


Note

Hi, I've lived in northern France for the last four years and am passionate about birding in the area. I have great knowledge of many birding sites in this interesting area. I speak fluent French and am currently wrtiting a guide book on birding in the area. Please don't hesitate if you are visiting or passing through northern France. I specialise in finding target species, seawatching and visible migration, as well as planning a relaxing day's birding taking in some French culture as well. Many thanks for getting in touch!


Area


Area Birds


Interests


M. Robert


M. Robert



Maps
DomancyHaute-SavoieFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages
French, English


Note

Mont Blanc area: Bearded Vultures and Golden Eagles all year long, Red-footed Falcons in spring, etc.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


T. Williamson


T. Williamson



Maps
PoitiersPoitou-CharentesFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
English


Note

Target species in my area are : Little Bustard, Eurasian Stone Curlew, Ortolan Bunting, Dartford Warbler and (if lucky) very elusive Greater Short-toed Lark. I'm not always free, but try ! As we always do in France, we share the gas cost between the different people present in my car.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


F. Leviez


F. Leviez



Maps
Berck, Nord Pas de CalaisNorth of FranceFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English


Note

I can guide birding Pals in the north of France from Baie de Somme to Dunkerque.

I can be available every day.


Area
Hauts de France, Baie de Somme to Dunkerque
Baie de Somme
Cap Gris Nez - Cap Blanc Nez
Platier d'Oye
Wetlands around Berck


Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, hiking, butterflies
Travel: train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk,
Visit: nature spot, beach


B. Veillet


B. Veillet



Maps
Lans en VercorsVercorsFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English


Note

I am 55 years old and I live in the Vercors mountains for 27 years where I worked for several years in the Regional Natural Park of the Vercors.

I have also been director of a Nature Trust in Grenoble and I am the author of the book "Guide de la faune du Parc naturel regional du Vercors" and of the booklet "A naturalist's guide to the Vercors".

I am interested in all vertebrates, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles but also butterflies, orthoptera and orchids.

The Vercors is a beautiful area where there are all the alpine species and several species of Mediterranean affinity. The Vercors is famous for the wallcreeper, pygmy and Tengmalm's owls, the 4 species of vultures in Europe, 6 species of ungulates (included Ibex, Chamois and Mouflon) and wolves.

I know also very well the Camargue, Crau and the Alpilles. I am not a professional guide but I usually guided English or American birders and I'll be happy to show you my area. and to meet birdwatchers.


Area

Area Birds
Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Golden Eagle, Short toed Eagle, Hazel Grouse, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Pygmy and Tengmalm's Owls, Eagle Owl, Black Woodpecker, Marsh Warbler, Water Pipit, Dipper, Wallcreeper, Alpine Chough, Chough, Rock Sparrow, Citril Finch


Interests

Vercors, Alps, Isere, Drome, Haute-Savoie, Camargue, Crau, Alpilles


P. Legrand


P. Legrand



Maps
Villeneuve d'AscqNord-Pas de CalaisFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


B. Paepegaey


B. Paepegaey



Maps
LilleNord Pas-de-CalaisFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


T. Daumal


T. Daumal



Maps
PicardieNord Pas de CalaisFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages
French, English


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


N. Selosse


N. Selosse



Maps
Le Clipon/DunkerqueNord-Pas-de-CalaisFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


O. Fontaine


O. Fontaine



Maps
LilleNord-Pas-de-CalaisFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English German


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


O. Vimont


O. Vimont



Maps
Angers, Maine et LoirePays de la LoireFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages
French, English German, Spanish


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


H. Michel


H. Michel



Maps
LunévilleLorraineFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


A. Oates


A. Oates



Maps
La Montagne (16km west of Nantes)Pays de la LoireFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
English, French


Note

We have recently moved out of the city of Nantes to La Montagne. I am English, living here with my French wife. I've had a keen interest in birds/ornithology since I was 5. Purely an amateur but I am keen to share my local knowledge with any visitors. I am situated about 10 mins drive from Lac de Grand lieu, 30 mins drive to La Briere, On our doorstep we have the extensive marshes of the Loire estuary. Local specialities include, Blue Throats, White Storks, Avocetes, Spoonbills, Great White Herons, Cattle Egrets, Night Herons, Purple Herons, Scquacco Herons, Corncrakes, Cetti's Warblers, All three types of Harrier, Hobby, Black Kites, Honey Buzzard and more... We are 10 minutes from the Nantes airport. So if anyone needs help finding those elusive birds drop me a line.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


R. Bennett


R. Bennett



Maps
Autignac(near Beziers)Languedoc-RoussillonFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


P. Ricordel


P. Ricordel



Maps
Paris(Saint Omer, Pas de Calais - 62)Ile de FranceFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages
French, English Spanish


Note

Paris is not really right area to visit for birds, but sometimes. I am more a bird photographer than a birdwatcher, I do phtograph mainly in France, and sometimes abroad. My week-end location is northern France near Saint Omer (Pas de Calais - 62), where you can find many more species of birds than in Paris. Feel free to ask more details, I will be pleased to answer you.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


D. Lescaillez


D. Lescaillez



Maps
ParisIle de FranceFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


D. Godreau


D. Godreau



Maps
ParisIle de FranceFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages
French, English


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


T. Fournet


T. Fournet



Maps
ParisIle de FranceFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English German


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


C. Knibbs


C. Knibbs



Maps
Bordeaux, GirondeAquitaineFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English


Note

I have been in the Gironde area for 5 years now and know most of the good sites in and around Bordeaux (le Teich, the Arcachon Basin, Audenge and the French Pyrenees). The local area is good for White Storks, Purple and Grey Herons, Spoonbill, Cattle & Little Egret, Bluethroat, 3 species of Harrier, ST Eagle, Hobby, Hoopoe, RB Shrikes etc... and grebes and divers in the winter. Cap Ferret is particularly good for the autumn migration and la Pointe de Grave for the spring migration. Further afield, the Pyrenees are excellent for large raptors, including Bearded, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures.... plus birds such as Blue Rock Thrush, Alpine Accentor, Chough and Alpine Chough.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


J M. Lustrat


J M. Lustrat



Maps
FontainebleauFranceFrance


Available
Anytime

Languages
French, English


Note

I am working for nature preservation in the French administration. We protect around 1200 ha, mainly marshes and forest, but sites for orchids and bat's caves too. In marshes, we have Ospreys and Little Bittern in spring and Bittern in winter. We can visit Fontainebleau forest for forest birds, and mammals.


Area


Area Birds


Interests


J. Verrier


J. Verrier



Maps
Bergrac, DordogneAquitaineFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages
French, English


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


P. Sorgius


P. Sorgius



Maps
StrasbourgStrasbourg, AlsaceFrance


Available
Weekend

Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


O. Pichard


O. Pichard



Maps
Lille-France


Available
Anytime

Languages
English


Note

all birds of 1/2 of north of France, especially birdsong.


Area
North France

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies
Travel: walking, train, backpack, canoe


BPusch


BPusch



Maps
Etang La VilleIle de FranceFrance


Available


Languages


Note



Area
25km to the West of Paris

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies, fishing, skiing, swimming, beach, surfing, snowmobiling, sky diving Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, climbing, train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, packpack, portage, canoe, ship, cruise, pilot, dog sled, snow mobile Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, ski run/trail, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, fashion, tech Attend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition, swap Participate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games, casino


PBENSOUSSAN


PBENSOUSSAN



Maps
EPINAY S/SSeine st DenisFrance


Available


Languages


Note

Bird watching and photography Amateur.


Area
42 avenue GALLIENI

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, photography, butterflies, skiing, swimming, sky diving Travel: walking, hiking,train,car, biking, long walk,canoe Visit: museum, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, antique


DLEYMARIE


DLEYMARIE



Maps
parisFrance


Available


Languages


Note



Area
98 rue claude decaen

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching


RGuillaume


RGuillaume



Maps
PARISFrance


Available


Languages


Note



Area
47 bis rue benard

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching


CMorton


CMorton



Maps
St Symphorien Sur Saone0000France


Available


Languages


Note



Area
68 Grande Rue

Area Birds


Interests


R. Guays


R. Guays



Maps
MontailleSartheFrance


Available


Languages
English


Note



Area
Lieu-dit La Mairie Small village in rural countryside

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies. Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, car, biking.


CBalleron


CBalleron



Maps
CourbevoieParis ?le-de-FranceFrance


Available


Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


NPietrenko


NPietrenko



Maps
BozelSavoieFrance


Available


Languages


Note



Area
Mountains

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching


LSabourin


LSabourin



Maps
PoitiersVienneFrance


Available


Languages


Note



Area
French countryside with some hills and cultivated fields

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, climbing, car, long walk Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, vineyard, monument, arboretum Attend: concert, Participate: wine


SBloch


SBloch



Maps
France


Available


Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests


RMartin


RMartin



Maps
parisFrance


Available


Languages


Note



Area
Dense city of western Europe...

Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching


LPratap


LPratap



Maps
MontgeronMontgeronFrance


Available


Languages


Note



Area


Area Birds


Interests
Nature: birdwatching


Professional Birding Guides

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