Seasonal calendar · France
From displaying flamingos in the Camargue to marmots in the Alps and puffins in Brittany: this is the year in French nature, month by month. For each month you can also see what is in season on the French coast and in the kitchen.
France runs from the Mediterranean to high in the Alps and the Pyrenees: in the south, spring starts weeks earlier than in the mountains. Fishing seasons also differ by region.
Winter
| Month | In nature | In the kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| December | Chamois rut in the Alps and the Pyrenees; the bearded vulture lays its egg in midwinter | Oysters, scallops and escargots on the Christmas menu |
| January | The flamingos of the Camargue start their group displays; thousands of wintering waterbirds | Scallops, oysters and sea urchins on the Mediterranean |
| February | The flamingo displays continue; the bearded vulture chick hatches | Sea urchin festivals (oursinades) on the Côte Bleue near Marseille |
Spring
| Month | In nature | In the kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| March | The pond turtle emerges from hibernation; griffon vultures nest in the Causses | Scallops, still into spring |
| April | Marmots wake up; the first bee-eaters arrive; puffins are back on the Sept-Îles in Brittany | Langoustines from Brittany |
| May | The edible frog croaks in the marshes; flamingos nest | Langoustines and Breton lobster |
Summer
| Month | In nature | In the kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| June | Ibex kids; flamingo chicks in the Camargue | Grilled sardines |
| July | Marmots with young on the alpine meadows; divers see dusky groupers around Port-Cros | Sardines and sea bass (loup de mer) |
| August | Bee-eaters gather for their migration to Africa; the puffins are back at sea | Sardines, octopus and lobster |
Autumn
| Month | In nature | In the kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| September | Start of the red deer rut (le brame); the vultures of the Causses are easy to see | The oyster season begins |
| October | Peak of the rut; marmots go into hibernation | Opening of the scallop season in Normandy and Brittany; game with mushrooms |
| November | The chamois rut begins; many flamingos winter in the Camargue | Scallops, oysters and the first sea urchins |
Please note: the ortolan bunting and the dusky grouper are protected in France and do not belong on your plate. Out and about: read where to go vulture watching in the Causses and see flamingos in the Camargue.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the seasons in France
When can you see the most flamingos in the Camargue?
Flamingos are there all year. The best time is winter and early spring, when they display in groups. Read more in our guide to flamingos in the Camargue.
When is scallop season in France?
In Normandy and Brittany roughly from October to May. Exact dates vary by area and by year.
When can you see marmots in the Alps?
From about May to September. After that they hibernate until April.
Other countries: The Netherlands · Belgium · Germany · Spain. Or see the general seasonal calendar and all animals in France.
