AMB Cote d'Azur

The Lake and Floral Park
The lake and its protective banks are a haven to a myriad of different waterbirds. The normal culprits such as Mallard, Coot and Shelduck swim eagerly up and down squabbling noisly for food, and even the more exotic birds such as White Pelicans, Canada Geese, Black Swans and Mandarin Ducks swirl around them in the hope of some tasty offerings.

Following the trails and sign posts along the way, a kaleidoscope of over 2,500 different species of plants, many of them rare, await you as you venture forth around its various outdoor gardens that lead ultimately to its masterpiece: the impressive Diamant Vert.

To the left of the lake, as you start your stroll, you'll come across different animal enclosures. The first one you'll encounter is the European Otter. These slinky, shiny creatures are wonderful characters and great swimming acrobats. Difficult to photograph too as they don't stop moving around, diving into their transparent pool or popping out and running along the pool's edge. From there you have the option to cross the lake by stepping on large boulders, washed by river water that flows into the lake itself; or following the trail and taking the small wooden bridge.

Which ever way you go the walk is charming, with Mediterranean plants and enticing views from all sides. Taking the trail you'll pass another animal enclosure; this one belonging to the Prairie Dogs. To me they resemble oversize hamsters and are just as tubby and cheeky. Again, difficult to photograph but great fun to watch as they dash in and out of their holes and then scamper over to their food troughs to pick up food with their tiny hands. Not having a map the first time round, I took to crossing the boulders and encountered two charming Mallards as surprised to see me as I was them.

Once over the boulders you come to another spectacular area with another water theme: a water fountain and small water fall. You can actually walk under the water fall which links easily to the other side of the lake or, if you prefer to keep your feet dry, to walk up a few steps and enjoy the fountain. The French expression "Jeux d'eaux" admirably describes the water jets as they throw up different lengths of frothy white water. Inside the basin you'll also find some sculptures, as indeed you will find others throughout the park. These are delightful touches to the scenery and add a further interest as you stroll round.

Following the trail again you'll pass another enclosure with a multitude of terrapins. Apparently these are all 'rescue' terrapins or unwanted pets that have been donated to the park and they evidently have gone forth and multiplied. The enclosure is close to the bank of the lake and a motley crew of various ducks and geese waddle around and will follow you in the hope of some tasty morsels. By now you're very close to the Diamant Vert but before you reach it, you'll encounter another animal enclosure - the accent here is on birds: owls, Macaws, Rhea's and Crowned Cranes.

This is a busy area attracting children and grown ups alike, and its fun to linger there especially with its wonderful pergola brimming with rambling Kiwi's, passionflower and honeysuckle. Further scents are added by various herbs and lavender bushes planted closeby. The curve of the pathway leads you to a secret children's playground and the green house.