Magical France - From the Loire to Alsace
Maagiline Prantsusmaa - Loire’ist Alsace’iniBeyond castle walls and well-trodden tourist paths, France reveals a surprisingly wild side. In the heart of the country flows the Loire, lined with world-famous châteaux. But far from the visitor crowds, a fascinating animal world unfolds: In a quiet side arm of the river, a female otter gives birth to three blind pups – their first adventure begins on her belly. Above them, an osprey circles, its chicks in the nest trying for the first time to tear apart a fish. Even the castles themselves come to life: Villandry, known for its ornamental gardens, is also home to France’s most important bat nursery. At Chenonceau, hundreds of house martins nest on the façade – the château becomes a breeding ground. And while stags clash antlers in the forests of Chambord, wildcats roam the undergrowth near Haut-Koenigsbourg in Alsace. Even badgers venture out during the day with their young. The film captures it all: beneath the shadow of great history, wild life still pulses.
| Director | Heike Grebe, Michael Riegler |
| Cinematography | Michael Riegler, Brian McClatchy, Thies Hinrichsen |
| Editing | Mirco Tribanek |
| Composer | Jörg Magnus Pfeil, Andrej Melita, Michael Lauterbach |
| Producer | Simon Riedel, Doclights GmbH |
| Production Company | Doclights GmbH, Flying Pangolin Film, Le cinquième rêve |
| Distributor | Arte Distribution |
| Original Title | Magisches Frankreich - Von der Loire ins Elsass |
| Entry Number | 26-696 |
| Country of Production |
Germany
France
|
| Year of Production | 2025 |
| Running Time | 50’ |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: |
