Wild France with Ray Mears

Watch Wild France with Ray Mears

  • TV-PG
  • 2016
  • 1 Season
  • 6.8  (44)

Wild France with Ray Mears is a documentary show that takes the viewers on a scenic journey through France's wilderness. The show premiered in 2016 and has been airing on BBC Two. Ray Mears, an experienced bushcraft expert and wilderness survival instructor, hosts this series and takes the viewers to various regions of France to explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes.

The show features six episodes, each focusing on a different region of France. In each episode, Ray Mears visits some of the most pristine and untouched natural spaces of the region and gives an insight into the wildlife, history, and culture of that area.

The first episode of Wild France takes place in the Jura Mountains, where Ray Mears focuses on the wildlife of the region. He takes the viewers on a tour of the mountains, showcasing the chamois, a type of mountain goat, and the ibex, a wild goat native to the area. Ray Mears also highlights the unique flora and fauna of the region, including the rare viper's bugloss, a plant with striking blue flowers.

The second episode of Wild France takes Ray Mears to the Camargue region, a vast marshland in the south of France. Here, Ray focuses on the Camargue horses, a breed of horses endemic to the area. He also takes a closer look at the pink flamingos, which migrate to the Camargue every year. In this episode, Ray also explores the unique culture of the area, which is known for its bullfighting traditions.

In the third episode, Ray Mears travels to the French Alps to explore the wildlife of the area. Here, he showcases the alpine ibex, another type of wild goat, and the marmot, a small rodent that lives in the rocky terrain of the Alps. Ray also explores the history of the region and visits some of the most picturesque villages in the area.

The fourth episode of Wild France takes place in the Cevennes, a mountain range in the south-central part of the country. Ray Mears explores the caves and underground rivers of the area, as well as the unique ecosystem that thrives in the region. He also talks about the resistance that took place during World War II, which adds an extra layer of history to the region.

In the fifth episode, Ray Mears travels to the Pays Basque, a region in the southwest of France, where he focuses on the seafood of the area. He takes the viewers on a seafood feast, showcasing the unique culinary specialties of the region, such as squid ink rice and spider crab. Ray also talks about the culture of the Basque people and explores the beautiful coastline.

The final episode of Wild France takes place in the Massif Central, a mountainous region in the center of the country. Here, Ray Mears explores the history of the region, which was once a volcanic landscape. He also showcases the unique flora and fauna of the area, including the golden eagle and the rare flower known as the Gentian.

Overall, Wild France with Ray Mears is a visually stunning and informative documentary series that provides an in-depth look into the natural beauty, wildlife, and culture of France. Ray Mears brings his expertise and passion for the outdoors to each episode, making it a fascinating watch for anyone interested in wilderness exploration and French culture.

Wild France with Ray Mears
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Seasons
Brittany
6. Brittany
August 15, 2016
Ray Mears travels to the west coast of Brittany to explore the rugged coastline and its islands. He heads out to sea where he gets up close to dolphins and seals and witnesses the fastest bird in the sky.
Provence
5. Provence
August 8, 2016
Ray Mears travels to Provence to explore the landscape, descending into the ochre canyons, the perfumed lavender fields, and the wonderful wildlife it holds from Bonelli eagles to wild boar.
The Cevennes
4. The Cevennes
August 1, 2016
Ray Mears travels to the Cevennes to discover the secrets of this mysterious landscape. He discovers a hidden world of bees, meets a local chestnut farmer, visits some wolves and gets up close to vultures.
The Camargue
3. The Camargue
July 25, 2016
Ray travels to the Camargue in the south of the country, a vast wetland that includes ancient salt pans, huge expanses of river delta, inland salt-water lakes and reed beds. He meets the French cowboys known as gardians who have made it their home and watches as they use their skills to round up powerful bulls, and he also discovers how salt influences the ecology of the area.
The Ardeche
2. The Ardeche
July 18, 2016
Ray continues his exploration of the geography, flora and fauna of France by heading to the Ardeche, where miles of gorges and limestone cliffs characterise this part of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region. He visits a cave with a long history and is given special permission to abseil in through the original sky-facing entrance, finding an array of stalactites and stalagmites inside. He then canoes down the Ardeche river and meets wildlife ranger Olivier, who teaches him some of the traditional uses of local plants.
The Vanoise
1. The Vanoise
July 11, 2016
Ray explores the geography, flora and fauna of six areas of France, beginning by visiting Vanoise National Park in the Rhone-Alpes region of the south-east of the country. His journey sees him forage in alpine meadows, herd goats, track ibex and spot playful marmots, before he treks to the top of a mountain in search of the bearded vulture - one of the rarest birds in Europe.2016-07-11
Description
  • Premiere Date
    July 11, 2016
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (44)