Falaise aux Vautours — Aspe Valley

About this spectacle

The Falaise aux Vautours — the Vulture Cliff — in the Aspe Valley of the French Pyrenees is one of Europe's great raptor spectacles. Here, griffon vultures nest in large numbers on dramatic limestone cliffs, and visitors can watch these enormous birds — wingspans exceeding two metres — launch from ledges, ride thermals, and spiral lazily overhead. The valley air fills with the rush of huge wings and the social clamour of a thriving colony. An observatory exists near the cliff face, allowing close observation without disturbance. Outside the nesting colony, Egyptian and bearded vultures (lammergeier) may also appear in the skies above the valley, making this one of the best places in France to witness multiple vulture species in a single visit. The surrounding valley scenery — steep wooded slopes, rushing streams, high Pyrenean ridgelines — adds a spectacular backdrop to the bird-watching experience.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Mar — Jul

Getting there

Nearest airport: PUF. Nearest city: Pau.

Booking options

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