Wild France with Ray Mears

Wild France with Ray Mears is a captivating docuseries from 2016 that captures the sheer beauty and diversity of France's natural landscapes through the skilled eyes of bushcraft expert, Ray Mears. In this six-part series, Mears takes viewers on an immersive journey across the varied terrains of France, exploring its rich biodiversity and revealing the hidden wonders and marvels of Mother Nature that are often overlooked.

The series sets itself apart from other travelogues by making use of Mears' impressive knowledge of survival techniques and his truly infectious enthusiasm for exploring the wilderness. Throughout the series, Mears presents a side of France that attracts less attention compared to its refined cuisine, fashion, and culture. Instead, it puts focus on the country’s wilderness, highlighting a different kind of beauty that is just as enchanting and captivating.

In each episode, Mears embarks on an exploration of one of the six main ecosystems in France: the mountains, coast, forests, wetlands, plains and undergrowth. The series showcases the varied geographical landscapes of the country, from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, to the marshes of the Camargue, to the verdant forests of the Pyrenees, and the windswept coastlines of Brittany.

From canoeing down pristine rivers, to climbing rugged mountainous terrain, to quietly observing wild creatures in their natural habitat, Mears makes the most of his knowledge in bushcraft and survival skills, adding an element of adventure and excitement to each episode.

Yet, what really makes Wild France with Ray Mears special is its harmonious blend of enthralling adventure and enlightening education. It is not just a travelogue or an adventure series. It goes beyond the excitement of exploration and survival to delve into the complexity of the ecosystems, shedding light on the hidden connections that bind every living organism to its environment. Mears explains the interplay of the flora and fauna in each region and emphasizes the importance of every element in the balance of ecosystems.

Furthermore, Mears brings a gentle respect and humility to his encounters with wild animals, teaching the viewers to appreciate these encounters as privileged glimpses into the secret lives of creatures in their natural environments. With his deft bushcraft skills, Mears shares his knowledge on how to track the wildlife without disturbing their natural behaviors, creating an intimate and respectful connection between the viewer, the host, and the wilderness.

Another unique aspect of the series is its focus on France's rich historical narrative interwoven with its natural landscapes. In various episodes, Mears visits historical sites and tells about the people who had once used this terrain to survive and thrive. This neat interlacing of geography, history, and cultural narrative makes the show educational and enlightening, imparting valuable knowledge about not just wilderness survival, but the interconnectedness of human history with nature.

Beautiful cinematography characterizes each episode, bringing the wild terrains of France to life with breathtaking imagery and sublime landscapes. These visuals are coupled with Mears' narration, which is often poetic and always brimming with his love for the natural world. His expertise and passion shine through each scene, adding depth and intimate perspective to every narrative.

Wild France with Ray Mears is more than a mere travelogue; it's a celebration of nature, a mindful journey into the wilderness, and a subtle reminder of the interconnectedness of all life forms. It is informative and educational without losing its grip on thrill and adventure. Each episode leaves viewers with a profound sense of awe and respect for the natural world and an enriched understanding of France's diverse ecology. This series is a must-watch for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts eager to explore France's wild side.