Product Description

This is one of the first four in a new series of fabulously illustrated natural history travel guides, intended for the general reader with an interest in natural history, and for the growing numbers of 'ecotourists' who want to know where to see wildlife in the countries they visit. The books are designed to complement each other and to build into a nature library, together giving an introduction to the natural history of Europe. France is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and exciting European countries for the naturalist. It is remarkably varied, with an enormous coastline shared between three seas, and vast areas of semi-natural habitats stretching upwards to the highest mountains in Europe. Ecologically, it lies at the crossroads of Europe, and shares species from virtually all the climatic regions in the continent. It is also at the hub of the European migration wheel, and huge numbers of birds pass through on the way to their breeding or wintering grounds. Essentially practical, the book first introduces the ecology, geology, and wildlife of France, then goes on to describe where to see its natural history at its best. There are descriptions of a selection of some 200 sites to visit, each carefully chosen to show a range of habitats and fascinating wildlife. The entries are the personal choice of the author and are based on intensive travel and research in the region. Described sites range in size from a few to thousands of hectares, be they National Parks, nature reserves, or simply common land, but all are open to the public and accessible to the ordinary visitor. Four colour throughout, this book has stunning landscape photographs, line drawings and photographs of individual animals of plants and animals, colour region and site maps, and a splendid composite painting encapsulating typical habitats and their inhabitants.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #417233 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Review
The "Travellers' Nature Guides" are a new concept in travel books, addressing today's enhanced interest in ecology and the preservation of the countryside. Full of colour photographs, black and white line drawings and the charming colour illustrations from wildlife artist Michael Wood, they are a visual feast of France's natural heritage. Divided into regions, the local flora, fauna and landscape are described in depth, yielding little known facts pertinent to each specific area. For keen nature-lovers, children and people with an inquisitive natural mind, these are ideal holiday companions, giving a fullness to a visit other travel guides omit. And with the added overall emphasis on conservation, a lesson is to be learned, ensuring these wondrous places stay preserved for future generations to enjoy too. - Lucy Watson

About the Author
Bob Gibbons is a highly respected natural history photographer, author of numerous plant and other wildlife books, and runs his own ecotour company, Natural History Travel.
Contact: tel 01202 849142 email bob.gibbons@which.net

Customer Reviews

Quite a disappointment
Compared with the companion volume on Spain, this nature guide is a considerable disappointment - I do not know how they got away with omitting an "Access and Information" section for each site entry.
Reading the volume on Spain one gets the impression that the author has actually visited each site - evidenced by much useful and practical detail. Not so with this nature guide to France; the detail appears lacking.
Considering the extensive bibliography of the author, this is an unexpected disappointment.

Wide-ranging and detailed
This book covers a large and varied country and yet manages to provide impressive detail on many different habitats and their species.
Any individual site information is easily obtainable from the Internet or travel guides.
Recommended