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© Sylvain Eichhorn

PNR des Alpilles

43.73340 , 4.90265

France

Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles

Les Alpilles is a small calcareous mountain chain with an elevation of up to 500 meters above sea level. The vegetation consists mostly of dry open Mediterranean shrub. Additional habitats are forest, extensive agricultural lands and villages (e.g. Les Baux-de-Provences). It is not only a pitoresque site but also holds a bunch of typical mediterranean passerine species and some rare and localized raptors.

The chain is a reliable area for Bonelli's Eagles and with more luck one might see Egyptian Vultures and Booted Eagle. The chain matches perfectly the habitat requirement of Eurasian Eagle Owl. The Garrigue holds breeding Subalpine, Dartford and Sardinian Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike and the large amount of rocks provide ideal habitat for Blue Rock Thrush. Furthermore, Black-eared Wheatear is a rare breeder.

In terms of birding the Vallon des Opies or the Plateau de la Caume are probably most rewarding.

The Vallons des Opies is a small and pitoresque valley covered in mediterranean shrubs and flanked by some impressive rock faces. It is surely one of the best spot for combined birding and hiking in the Alpilles. The Plateau de la Caume is an elevated plain at approximately 400 meters above sea level with dry open Mediterranean shrub vegetation and calcareous rock formations.

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Admin : : 43.7334/4.9026 (2019-04-24 00:00:00 )

Site name was set by Admin : as "PNR Des Alpilles" (2019-04-24 00:00:00 )

Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 19:11:18
Les Alpilles is a small calcareous mountain chain with an elevation of up to 500 meters above sea level. The vegetation consists mostly of dry open Mediterranean shrub. Additional habitats are forest, extensive agricultural lands and villages (e.g. Les Baux-de-Provences). It is not only a pitoresque site but also holds a bunch of typical mediterranean passerine species and some rare and localized raptors. The chain is a reliable area for Bonelli's Eagles and with more luck one might see Egyptian Vultures and Booted Eagle. The chain matches perfectly the habitat requirement of Eurasian Eagle Owl. The Garrigue holds breeding Subalpine, Dartford and Sardinian Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike and the large amount of rocks provide ideal habitat for Blue Rock Thrush. Furthermore, Black-eared Wheatear is a rare breeder. In terms of birding the Vallon des Opies or the Plateau de la Caume are probably most rewarding.rewarding. The Vallons des Opies is a small and pitoresque valley covered in mediterranean shrubs and flanked by some impressive rock faces. It is surely one of the best spot for combined birding and hiking in the Alpilles. The Plateau de la Caume is an elevated plain at approximately 400 meters above sea level with dry open Mediterranean shrub vegetation and calcareous rock formations.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 19:00:12
Les Alpilles is a small calcareous mountain chain with an elevation of up to 500 meters above sea level. The vegetation consists mostly of dry open Mediterranean shrub. Additional habitats are forest, extensive agricultural lands and villages (e.g. Les Baux-de-Provences). It is not only a pitoresque site but also holds a bunch of typical mediterranean passerine species and some rare and localized raptors. The chain is a reliable area for Bonelli's Eagles and with more luck one might see Egyptian Vultures and Booted Eagle. The chain matches perfectly the habitat requirement of Eurasian Eagle Owl. The Garrigue holds breeding Subalpine, Dartford and Sardinian Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike and the large amount of rocks provide ideal habitat for Blue Rock Thrush. Furthermore, Black-eared Wheatear is a rare breeder. On top In terms of this, botanist and naturalists will definitely neither be bored.birding the Vallon des Opies or the Plateau de la Caume are probably most rewarding.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-11-30 22:18:27
Les Alpilles is a small calcareous mountain chain with an elevation of up to 500 meters above sea level. The vegetation consists mostly of dry open Mediterranean shrub. Additional habitats are forest, extensive agricultural lands and villages (e.g. Les Baux-de-Provences). It is not only a pitoresque site but also holds a bunch of typical mediterranean passerine species and some rare and localized raptors. The chain is a reliable area for Bonelli's Eagles and with more luck one might see Egyptian Vultures and Booted Eagle. The chain matches perfectly the habitat requirement of Eurasian Eagle Owl. The Garrigue holds breeding Subalpine, Dartford and Sardinian Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike and the large amount of rocks provide ideal habitat for Blue Rock Thrush. Furthermore, Black-eared Wheatear is a rare breeder. On top of this, botanist and naturalists will definitely not neither be bored either.bored.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-11-30 22:14:50
Les Alpilles is a small calcareous mountain chain with an elevation of up to 500 meters above sea level. The vegetation consists mostlly mostly of dry open Mediterranean shrub. Additional habitats are forest, extensive agricultural lands and villages (e.g. Les Baux-de-Provences). It is not only a pitoresque site but also holds a bunch of typical mediterranean passerine species and some rare and localized raptors. The chain is a reliable area for Bonelli's Eagles and with more luck one might see Egyptian Vultures and Booted Eagle. The chain matches perfectly the habitat requirement of Eurasian Eagle Owl. The Garrigue holds breeding Subalpine, Dartford and Sardinian Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike and the large amount of rocks provide ideal habitat for Blue Rock Thrush. Furthermore, Black-eared Wheatear is a rare breeder. On top of this, botanist and naturalists will definitely not be bored either.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-11-30 22:13:20
Les Alpilles is a small calcareous mountain chain with an elevation of up to 500 meters above sea level. The vegetation consists mostlly of dry open Mediterranean shrub. Additional habitats are forest, extensive agricultural lands and villages (e.g. Les Baux-de-Provences). It is not only a pitoresque site but also holds a bunch of typical mediterranean passerine species and some rare and localized raptors. The chain is a reliable area for Bonelli's Eagles and with more luck one might see Egyptian Vultures and Booted Eagle. The chain matches perfectly the habitat requirement of Eurasian Eagle Owl. The Garrigue holds breeding Subalpine, Dartford and Sardinian Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike and the large amount of rocks provide ideal habitat for Blue Rock Thrush. Furthermore, Black-eared Wheatear is a rare breeder. On top of this, botanist and naturalists will definitely not be bored either.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-11-30 22:12:04
Elevated plain Les Alpilles is a small calcareous mountain chain with an elevation of up to 500 to 500 meters above sea level with level. The vegetation consists mostlly of dry open Mediterranean shrub vegetation shrub. Additional habitats are forest, extensive agricultural lands and calcareous rock formations.villages (e.g. Les Baux-de-Provences). It is not only a pitoresque site but also holds a bunch of typical mediterranean passerine species and some rare and localized raptors. The chain is a reliable area for Bonelli's Eagles and with more luck one might see Egyptian Vultures and Booted Eagle. The chain matches perfectly the habitat requirement of Eurasian Eagle Owl. The Garrigue holds breeding Subalpine, Dartford and Sardinian Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike and the large amount of rocks provide ideal habitat for Blue Rock Thrush. Furthermore, Black-eared Wheatear is a rare breeder. On top of this, botanist and naturalists will definitely not be bored either.
Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 21:28:39
Elevated plain up to 500 meters above sea level with dry open Mediterranean shrub vegetation and calcareous rock formations.

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Not available yet

General information

Spring from April to May is the best season for birding in the Alpilles as the target species will eventually be back from their wintering grounds and many will sing. Furthermore, temperatures will likely be enjoyable. It is recommendable to start birding early to find the more skulky passerines and then watch out for raptors later in the day. An other option could be an evening walk with chances to stumble across nocturnal species later at dusk.

In general one might probably stumble across all target species at roadside locations across the whole Alpilles, so do not hesitate to make stops in appropriate habitats or for a short raptor check. Here presented are two sites which are particularly attractive in terms of bird species, landscape, accessability and time effort.

Vallon des Opies

Motivated hikers may go all the way up to the Tour des Opies which gives astonishing views over the Alpilles, the vast plain of La Crau and the Camargue with its Étang de Vaccarès and leads you all the way up through the beautiful Vallon. Listen for the song and calls of Sylvia warblers which remain often hidden in the bushes and scan the rock faces and the sky for Rock Thrushes and Raptors all the way especially.

If you prefer it more relaxed or you are just short in time, a scan from the parking lot at 43.719106, 4.949937 may already provide the most interesting raptors (altough probably a little more distant) and some passerines. At dusk you have chances for Eagle owl and Scops owl from the parking lot.

Plateau de la Caume

Bird along the small paths on the Plateau and always keep a look to the sky. The edges of the plateau or the ridge on the east provide nice view. Be prepared to wait some time for the good species (especially Bonelli's Egale) to show up.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 19:51
General information Spring from April to May is the best season for birding in the Alpilles as the target species will eventually be back from their wintering grounds and many will sing. Furthermore, temperatures will likely be enjoyable. It is recommendable to start birding early to find the more skulky passerines and then watch out for raptors later in the day. An other option could be an evening walk with chances to stumble across nocturnal species later at dusk. In general one might probably stumble across all target species at roadside locations across the whole Alpilles, so do not hesitate to make stops in appropriate habitats or for a short raptor check. We present here Here presented are two sites which are particularly attractive in terms of bird species, landscape, accessability and time effort. Vallon des Opies Motivated hikers may go all the way up to the Tour des Opies which gives astonishing views over the Alpilles, the vast plain of La Crau and the Camargue with its Étang de Vaccarès and leads you all the way up through the beautiful Vallon. Listen for the song and calls of Sylvia warblers which remain often hidden in the bushes and scan the rock faces and the sky for Rock Thrushes and Raptors all the way especially. If you prefer it more relaxed or you are just short in time, a scan from the parking lot at 43.719106, 4.949937 may already provide the most interesting raptors (altough probably a little more distant) and some passerines. At dusk you have chances for Eagle owl and Scops owl from the parking lot. Plateau de la Caume Bird along the small paths on the Plateau and always keep a look to the sky. The edges of the plateau or the ridge on the east provide nice view. Be prepared to wait some time for the good species (especially Bonelli's Egale) to show up.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 19:24
General information Spring from April to May is the best season for birding in the Alpilles as the target species will eventually arrive be back from their wintering grounds and many will sing. Furthermore, temperatures will likely be enjoyable. It is recommendable to start birding early to find the more skulky passerines and then watch out for raptors later in the day. An other option could be an evening walk with chances to stumble across nocturnal species later at dusk. In general one might probably stumble across all target species at roadside locations across the whole Alpilles, so do not hesitate to make stops in appropriate habitats or for a short raptor check. We present here two sites which pare especially are particularly attractive in terms of bird species, landscape landscape, accessability and time effort. Vallon des Opies Motivated hikers may go all the way up to the Tour des Opies which gives astonishing views over the Alpilles, the vast plain of La Crau and the Camargue with its Étang de Vaccarès and leads you all the way up through the beautiful Vallon. Listen for the song and calls of Sylvia warblers which remain often hidden in the bushes and scan the rock faces and the sky for Rock Thrushes and Raptors all the way especially. If you prefer it more relaxed or you are just short in time, a scan from the parking lot at 43.719106, 4.949937 may already provide the most interesting raptors (altough probably a little more distant) and some passerines. At dusk you have chances for Eagle owl and Scops owl from the parking lot. Plateau de la Caume
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 19:23
General information Spring from April to May is the best season for birding in the Alpilles as the target species will eventually arrive back from their wintering grounds and many will sing. Furthermore, temperatures will likely be enjoyable. It is recommendable to start birding early to find the more skulky passerines and then watch out for raptors later in the day. An other option could be an evening walk with chances to stumble across nocturnal species later at dusk. In general one might probably stumble across all target species at roadside locations across the whole Alpilles, so do not hesitate to make stops in appropriate habitats or for a short raptor check. We present here two sites which pare especially attractive in terms of bird species, landscape and time effort. Vallon des Opies Motivated hikers may go all the way up to the Tour des Opies which gives astonishing views over the Alpilles, the vast plain of La Crau and the Camargue with its Étang de Vaccarès and leads you all the way up through the beautiful Vallon. Listen for the song and calls of Sylvia warblers which remain often hidden in the bushes and scan the rock faces and the sky for Rock Thrushes and Raptors all the way especially. If you prefer it more relaxed or you are just short in time, a scan from the parking lot at 43.719106, 4.949937 may already provide the most interesting raptors (altough probably a little more distant) and some passerines. At dusk you have chances for Eagle owl and Scops owl from the parking lot. Plateau de la Caume
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 19:10
Morning General information Spring from April to May is the best season for Sylvia-Warblers birding in the Alpilles as the target species will eventually arrive back from their wintering grounds and many will sing. Furthermore, temperatures will likely be enjoyable. It is recommendable to start birding early to find the more skulky passerines and then watch out for raptors later in the day.day. An other option could be an evening walk with chances to stumble across nocturnal species later at dusk. Vallon des Opies Motivated hikers may go all the way up to the Tour des Opies which gives astonishing views over the Alpilles, the vast plain of La Crau and the Camargue with its Étang de Vaccarès and leads you all the way up through the beautiful Vallon. If you prefer it more relaxed or you are just short in time, a scan from the parking lot at 43.719106, 4.949937 may already provide the most interesting raptors (altough probably a little more distant) and some passerines. At dusk you have chances for Eagle owl and Scops owl from the parking lot.
Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 21:34
Morning for Sylvia-Warblers and the watch out for raptors later in the day.
Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 21:29
Morning for Sylvia-Warblers and the watch out for raptors later in the day.

Vallon des Opies

Parking lot (no fee) at 43.719080, 4.949904 or 43.705760, 4.951524 for easiest access by car. You will have to continue on dirt roads by foot or mountain bike for approximately one kilometre till you reach the intersection at 43.714804, 4.962251 where the footpath leading east into the very valley starts. At 43.714581, 4.982417 you have the option to go left to go up to the Tour des Opies. However, it is also here that the very steep part begins!

Plateau de la Caume

Parking lot (no fee) at 43.756642, 4.834163. From here it is 2.2 km (uphill) to 43.758933, 4.853309 where a gravel path branching of the road to the large antenna leads directly onto the plateau, the center of latter located approximately here 43.759072, 4.859009.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 20:15
Vallon des Opies Parking lot (no fee) at 43.719080, 4.949904 or 43.705760, 4.951524 for easiest access by car. You will have to continue on dirt roads by foot or mountain bike for approximately one kilometre till you reach the intersection at 43.714804, 4.962251 where the footpath leading east into the very valley starts. At 43.714581, 4.982417 you have the option to go left to go up to the Tour des Opies. However, it is also here that the very steep part begins! Plateau de la Caume Parking lot (no fee) at 43.756642, 4.834163. From here it is 2.2 km (uphill) to 43.758933, 4.853309 where a gravel path branching of the road to the large antenna leads directly onto the plateau.plateau, the center of latter located approximately here 43.759072, 4.859009.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 20:12
Vallon des Opies Parking lot (no fee) at 43.719080, 4.949904 or 43.705760, 4.951524 for easiest access by car. You will have to continue on dirt roads by foot or mountain bike for approximately one kilometre till you reach the intersection at 43.714804, 4.962251 where the footpath leading east into the very valley starts. At 43.714581, 4.982417 you have the option to go left to go up to the Tour des Opies. However, it is also here that the very steep part begins!begins! Plateau de la Caume Parking lot (no fee) at 43.756642, 4.834163. From here it is 2.2 km (uphill) to 43.758933, 4.853309 where a gravel path branching of the road to the large antenna leads directly onto the plateau.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 20:03
Vallon des Opies Parking lot (no fee) at 43.719080, 4.949904 or 43.705760, 4.951524 for easiest access by car. You will have to continue on dirt roads by foot or mountain bike till you reach the intersection at 43.714804, 4.962251 where the footpath leading east into the very valley starts. At 43.714581, 4.982417 you have the option to go left to go up to the Tour des Opies. However, it is also here that the very steep part begins!

The Alpilles are accessible from the Autoroute du Soleil leaving at the exit "Cavaillon, St. Rémy de Pce". Also, it is only a 20 minutes ride by car from Saint-Martin de Crau to the Alpilles if you wish to combine with a visit to La Crau.

Vallon des Opies

The parking lot is situated along the D25A between Eygalières and Aureilles.

Plateau de la Caume

The parking lot is situated along the D5 between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Maussane les Alpilles.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 20:24
The Alpilles are accessible from the Autoroute du Soleil leaving at the exit "Cavaillon, St. Rémy de Pce". Also Also, it is only a 20 minutes ride by car from Saint-Martin de Crau to the Alpilles if you wish to combine with a visit to La Crau. Vallon des Opies The parking lot is situated along the D25A between Eygalières and Aureilles. Plateau de la Caume The parking lot is situated along the D5 between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Maussane les Alpilles.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 20:24
Popular access point is The Alpilles are accessible from the Autoroute du Soleil leaving at the exit "Cavaillon, St. Rémy de Pce". Also it is only a 20 minutes ride by car from Saint-Martin de Crau to the Alpilles if you wish to combine with a visit to La Crau. Vallon des Opies The parking (43.756594, 4.834125) lot is situated along the D25A between Eygalières and Aureilles. Plateau de la Caume The parking lot is situated along the D5 from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence towards Maussane-les-Alpilles. Another road is crossing Les Alpilles towards Aureille, there is also parking (43.719077, 4.949938)between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Maussane les Alpilles.
Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 21:34
Popular access point is from the parking (43.756594, 4.834125) along the D5 from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence towards Maussane-les-Alpilles. Another road is crossing Les Alpilles towards Aureille, there is also parking (43.719077, 4.949938)

The medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence is not to be missed from a touristic perspective. Anyway take your binoculars with you as you might well find Blue Rock Thrush or maybe even a Bonelli's Eagle!

The Alpilles is you place to go if you want to combine a family hike in a beautiful landscape with plenty of exciting birding opportunities. If you hike to the Plateau de la Caume watch out for the Rochers des deux trous! Or why not even combine with a bicycle tour? Additionally one would also find climbing opportunities!

Non-birding naturalists will find many plant species and an exciting arthropod diversity.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 20:34
The medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence is not to be missed from a touristic perspective. Anyway take your binoculars with you as you might well find Blue Rock Thrush or maybe even a Bonelli's Eagle! The Alpilles is you place to go if you want to combine a family hike in a beautiful landscape with plenty of exciting birding opportunities. If you hike to the Plateau de la Caume watch out for the Rochers des deux trous! Or why not even combine with a bicycle tour? Additionally one would also find climbing opportunities! Non-birding naturalists will find many plant species and an exciting arthropod diversity.

Birding France has many interesting resources

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-12-12 14:22
Birding France has many interesting resources: https://www.birdingfrance.info/birding-pnr-alpilles/resources. 
Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-12-12 14:21
Birding France has many interesting resources: https://www.birdingfrance.info/birding-pnr-alpilles/

No need to worry but best take your valuables with you and do not let them in the car. The path to the Tour des Opies is steep and rocky and only recommendable if you feel safe.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 20:37
Best No need to worry but best take your valuables with you and do not let them in the car. The path to the Tour des Opies is steep and rocky and only recommendable if you feel safe.
Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-12-01 20:37
Best take your valuables with you and do not let them in the car. The path to the Tour des Opies is steep and rocky and only recommendable if you feel safe.
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Reports

Season:
to
Species:
2022-04-13 to 2022-04-18 Camargue, Les Alpilles and the Crau with Bebbi Babbler Birding Valentin Moser et al.
2019-04-18 to 2019-04-22 Alpilles, Crau, Camargue Sylvain Eichhorn et al.
PNR des Alpilles - Orniverse