Sleeping among Europe's large herbivores
Presentation
Practical information
Responsible tourism in these almost prehistoric landscapes.
After years of working in Botswana's reserves, veterinarian Patrice Long wants to work towards the reintroduction of large wild herbivores in Europe. Try asking around you, we are of course familiar with deer, chamois, and ibex, but who remembers that elk, wild horses, and European bison shared our lands 30,000 years ago?
Patrice Lelong, accompanied by his wife Alena, chose to settle on a vast estate of over 700 hectares, between the Mercantour and the Gorges du Verdon, just an hour from the Côte d'Azur. With the support of his Polish wife, Patrice obtained Poland's agreement to welcome, in 2005, the first wild European bison here. Soon after, the first births followed, and then came the Przewalski horses, one of the seven species of wild horses closely resembling the prehistoric horses that once roamed our regions (and adorned the walls of painted caves).
After 30,000 years of separation, bison and wild horses manage to live together in the wild, giving the landscapes an almost prehistoric feel. They share the same territory with deer, wild boar, and the more discreet roe deer, chamois, lynx, and wolves. The impact of bison on plant biodiversity is surprising: before their presence, 7 ground species were inventoried compared to 38 today. A first in Europe and a winning comeback!
At the Réserve des Monts d'Azur, we learn through immersion via safaris that take us into the animals' territory. Here, we follow the naturalist guide on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or on snowshoes depending on the season, and even extend the experience by sleeping under a lodge made of wood and canvas. The only constraint is making do with a 10-liter jerrycan of water, organic soap, and a traditional basin. A guaranteed win for all adventurers who will enjoy precious hours at dawn and dusk facing the reserve's great plain. For everyone else, guest rooms will be a gentle alternative.
✯ Open from May 15 to October 31 ✯
After years of working in Botswana's reserves, veterinarian Patrice Long wants to work towards the reintroduction of large wild herbivores in Europe. Try asking around you, we are of course familiar with deer, chamois, and ibex, but who remembers that elk, wild horses, and European bison shared our lands 30,000 years ago?
Patrice Lelong, accompanied by his wife Alena, chose to settle on a vast estate of over 700 hectares, between the Mercantour and the Gorges du Verdon, just an hour from the Côte d'Azur. With the support of his Polish wife, Patrice obtained Poland's agreement to welcome, in 2005, the first wild European bison here. Soon after, the first births followed, and then came the Przewalski horses, one of the seven species of wild horses closely resembling the prehistoric horses that once roamed our regions (and adorned the walls of painted caves).
After 30,000 years of separation, bison and wild horses manage to live together in the wild, giving the landscapes an almost prehistoric feel. They share the same territory with deer, wild boar, and the more discreet roe deer, chamois, lynx, and wolves. The impact of bison on plant biodiversity is surprising: before their presence, 7 ground species were inventoried compared to 38 today. A first in Europe and a winning comeback!
At the Réserve des Monts d'Azur, we learn through immersion via safaris that take us into the animals' territory. Here, we follow the naturalist guide on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or on snowshoes depending on the season, and even extend the experience by sleeping under a lodge made of wood and canvas. The only constraint is making do with a 10-liter jerrycan of water, organic soap, and a traditional basin. A guaranteed win for all adventurers who will enjoy precious hours at dawn and dusk facing the reserve's great plain. For everyone else, guest rooms will be a gentle alternative.
✯ Open from May 15 to October 31 ✯
Réserve des Monts d'Azur
Domaine du Haut-Thorenc
06750 Thorenc
Tel : +33 (0)4 93 600 078
From 260 EURDomaine du Haut-Thorenc
06750 Thorenc
Tel : +33 (0)4 93 600 078
Pricing details
Rates 2021, from €260 per night for two adults on an adventure stay.Rates per person
⊹ Adult, €130 (extra person, €25)
⊹ Teenager, €89 or child (6-11 years), €69
Maximum capacity of the ecolodges: two adults and two children
..:: Adventure Stay ::..
⊹ overnight stay in an ecolodge with half-board,
⊹ aperitif and dinner on the ecolodge terrace
⊹ breakfast
⊹ guided walking safari to discover wild animals
⊹ access to the natural swimming pool, play areas, climbing wall, and bowling green
The Bioclimatic Villa and the Petit Manoir also welcome you for overnight stays.
Please note that picnics and pets are not allowed on-site.
Restaurant open from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the open days of the Réserve des Monts d'Azur
Note: All prices are provided for informational purposes only and must be confirmed directly with the establishment.
Comments
40 minutes from Grasse and 1 hour from the Riviera, between the villages of Gréolières and Thorenc.
