The Ardèche Gorges in spring

With its vertiginous cliffs, wide open spaces and unspoilt tranquillity, the Ardèche Gorges are a haven of biodiversity…

The Ardèche Gorges: an exceptional nesting site

Here, birds of prey find the perfect environment for nesting: Bonelli’s eagles, griffon vultures, peregrine falcons, and soon the return of the Egyptian vulture.

Spring is the breeding season.

Disturbing this period jeopardises the arrival of young birds, so there are guidelines to follow in order not to disrupt this fragile cycle.
To ensure that these species continue to thrive, temporary quiet zones are being established.

Periods to remember

• Bonelli’s eagle: 15 January → 30 June
• Peregrine falcon: 1 February → 30 June
• Egyptian vulture: 1 March → 30 September

Signs in the field indicate the areas concerned.

✅ The right behaviours to adopt:
✔️ Stay on marked trails
✔️ Respect temporary climbing bans
✔️ Follow caving regulations
✔️ Avoid any activity near nests

💚 Protecting birds of prey means preserving the natural balance of the land.
Admiring a Bonelli’s eagle gliding or a griffon vulture riding the updrafts is a privilege to be shared with future generations, in a responsible manner.

To consult the Ardèche Gorges website

For more information, visit the website the League for the Protection of Birds

and the website of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve