The marmot in the Ardèche
The goats of the Gorges de l’Ardèche
The beaver in the Ardèche
The cicada
Hiking with a beekeeper
The griffon vulture
The Praying Mantis
The little duke
The green lizard
A rich variety of flora and fauna at Mas de la Fontenette
Mas de la Fontenette is rated 4 stars by Gites de France, with its heated swimming pool, wellness area, Mediterranean garden and 2.5 hectares of wooded parkland. The flora and fauna are extremely diverse.
The fauna and flora of the Ardèche, in south-east France, are renowned for their exceptional biodiversity. This département, characterised by a diversity of landscapes ranging from the Cévennes mountains to the verdant valleys, offers an ideal habitat for many species.
Wildlife in the Ardèche
The fauna of the Ardèche is extremely diverse. There are some emblematic mammals. The European beaver populates rivers and lakes. The species is spreading geographically and plays an important role in the local ecosystem. Otters also make their presence felt. Caves and cliffs are home to colonies of bats. The avifauna includes remarkable species such as Bonelli’s eagle, the short-toed eagle, the griffon vulture and the Egyptian vulture. The region is also a haven for many reptiles and amphibians, such as the spotted salamander, viperine snake and garter snake.
Flora in the Ardèche
The flora of the Ardèche is just as varied, influenced by the department’s different climates and altitudes. The ubiquitous chestnut forests, the symbol of the region, are accompanied by oak and fir trees in the mountainous areas. The limestone gorges and plateaux are home to Mediterranean vegetation, with species such as holm oak, boxwood and thyme. There are also rare and protected plants, such as certain wild orchids, which flower in spring and summer.
Here is an overview of the typical flora to be found in this region:
1. Mediterranean flora in the Ardèche
In the lower, sunnier areas, particularly in the southern part of the Ardèche, there is typically Mediterranean vegetation:
- Holm oaks (Quercus ilex)
- Olive trees (Olea europaea)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
2. Middle Mountain Flora in the Ardèche
As you climb higher, the vegetation changes and is adapted to a cooler climate:
- Pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens)
- Chestnut (Castanea sativa)
- Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
- Pectin fir (Abies alba)
3. Mountain flora in the Ardèche
In the highest parts of the Ardèche, above 1000 metres, the vegetation is more alpine:
- Spruce (Picea abies)
- Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)
- Gentians (Gentiana lutea)
- Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum)
4. Vegetation of the Ardèche Gorges
The famous Ardèche Gorges are also home to a specific flora, adapted to the particular conditions of this environment:
- Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
- Deciduous trees such as ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
- Rock plants, such as rockrose (Sedum)
5. Endemic and Protected Species
Some species are rare and protected in the Ardèche, reflecting the region’s ecological wealth:
- Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium calceolus)
- Bertoloni columbine (Aquilegia bertolonii)
6. Meadows and lawns
Meadows and lawns, particularly flowery in spring and summer, are also characteristic of the Ardèche:
- Poppies (Papaver rhoeas)
- Daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare)
- Wild orchids (Orchidaceae)
Conclusion
The diversity of Ardèche flora is a reflection of the region’s climatic and geographical variations. Whether in the sunny valleys, on the plateaux or in the mountains, each area has a unique botanical wealth that contributes to the natural beauty of the Ardèche.
In short, the flora and fauna of the Ardèche coexist harmoniously. This makes the Ardèche a special place for nature lovers and environmentalists.