This magnificent fox was filmed at Mas de la Fontenette, a superb gite with heated swimming pool in the Ardèche gorges. It sometimes roams freely around the property. He’s not very shy and lets himself be discreetly filmed, as in this video taken from the window of the Mas de la Fontenette
Protection of the Aesculapian snake The Aesculapian snake is a protected species in France. It is totally forbidden to capture, injure or even kill it. More information on the Aesculapian snake can be found on the National Inventory of Natural Heritage website. This very young Aesculapian snake was
A harmless viperine snake Totally harmless like all snakes in France, the viperine snake resembles vipers, with which it can be confused through ignorance. The similarities include a zigzag pattern on its back, a clear pattern on its head and its defensive posture with a flattened head. However
The viperine snake is a magnificent little snake that is completely harmless, as seen here filmed in the Ardèche. The viperine snake, a non-venomous snake This non-venomous snake is widespread in Europe, particularly in France. It occurs near water sources such as rivers, ponds and marshes. This
The video of this viperine snake was produced by Mas de la Fontenette. This is a remarkable 6-person gite with private pool in the Ardèche, more specifically in the Ardèche gorges near Labastide-de-Virac. We look forward to welcoming you here for your next holiday in the Ardèche. A very discreet
This video on scorpions in the Ardèche was produced by Mas de la Fontenette, a 4-star Gites de France gite with swimming pool, wellness area (sauna, jacuzzi, etc.) and Mediterranean garden, in the Gorges de l’Ardèche. The property’s wooded grounds cover 2.5 hectares. Scorpions in France
The presence of the coypu in the Ardèche is well documented, and it is a fairly common sight along riverbanks, particularly upstream and in the Ardèche gorges. Origin of the coypu The coypu is a mammal native to South America, introduced to Europe in the 19th century for its fur. All the
The Montselgues peat bog The Narsettes peat bog at Montselgues in the Ardèche is a fascinating ecosystem to discover. This peat bog, classified as a natural area of ecological interest, is characterised by its marshy soil, made up of decomposing organic matter accumulated over thousands of years
The marmot was introduced to the Ardèche 1/2 century ago. Historically, there were no marmots in the Massif Central; their introduction dates back to the 1980s in the Mézenc massif. The introduction of marmots was justified by a number of objectives. A) to diversify the biological diversity of an
Semi-wild goats in the Ardèche gorges Goats have been roaming the gorges of the Ardèche for almost 50 years. Formerly domesticated, they now live in a semi-wild state, or at least in complete freedom. From a herd abandoned to its fate, they roam not far from the Pont d’Arc. They can even be
Did you know that there are beavers in the Ardèche? Their numbers are increasing significantly. They are even colonising certain torrential rivers. Beavers can be found in the Ardèche and Ibie gorges, as well as in the Beaume and Bésorgue gorges. They can even be seen on the Rieu Grand, not far
The cicada, a mythical insect of the Mediterranean region A mythical insect of the Mediterranean region, the cicada feeds on the sap of trees and shrubs, which it collects with its proboscis under its head. In July and August, their singing livens up Mas de la Fontenette. This 4-star holiday rental
Beekeeping in the Ardèche Julien de la Rocca, mountain leader and beekeeper, member of Ardèche Randonnées, takes us on a hike in the Ardèche to discover his beehives. He lives at the foot of the Ardèche mountains, aboveAubenas, not far from Mas de la Fontenette, a 4-star holiday cottage with
Griffon vultures in the Ardèche The griffon vulture has been making a comeback in the Ardèche over the last few decades. Like all birds of prey, it is a protected species. It uses updrafts to fly without even flapping its wings, even when taking off, often launching itself from the edge of a cliff
A mythical insect Originally native to Africa, the praying mantis is a well-represented insect in the Mediterranean region. It is called “religious” because of its front legs, which it folds up as if to pray when it is on the lookout for prey. Characteristics of the praying mantis
The little owl, a tiny owl The little owl is a tiny owl about the size of a large blackbird. This one, an Ardéchois, is a young bird that has just fledged. Its egrets are not visible when it flattens them and its plumage looks like bark. This is a camouflage technique. The Petit Duc at Mas de la
The green lizard in the Ardèche Smaller than the ocellated lizard, the green lizard is very shy. However, it is quite common in the Ardèche. You’re likely to see it at Mas de la Fontenette in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, hunting insects next to the infinity pool. It can also be seen at the
