top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French chateau overrun by protected storks

A 13th century French chateau once owned by the family of William the Conqueror has been taken over by more than 170 storks, which a bird expert has said is a rare event in France.

The rundown Château de la Rivière de Saint-Fromond (Manche, Normandy), which was built in the 13th century by the family of William the Conqueror, now has almost 200 birds making it their home.

The property is surrounded by 30,000 hectares of marshes, which are inhabited by frogs, insects and rodents; perfect food sources for the storks.

Guillaume Hédouin, manager of the Contentin and Bessin natural park marshes, said: “Storks can eat rodents, they can also eat amphibians. They have very diverse food sources - if it moves, they will not hesitate to eat it. They are very greedy.”

Visitors to the ruins have more recently been coming to watch the storks, rather than appreciate the history of the building itself.

As well as its links to the Normans, the chateau was also taken over by the Germans in World War Two, who used it as a storehouse for their weapons, before destroying it when they had finished.

Storks are a protected species, meaning that it is illegal to hunt them. This behaviour - flocking together in a ruin - is not seen as common in France.

Ornithologist and birdwatcher Alain Chartier said: “In Spain, it is quite common to see storks in churches and on ruins, but in France, it is very rare.”

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France