Where to go birdwatching in Marennes Oléron?
Exploring the maze of Marennais and Oléronais marshes is always a good idea for birdwatchers. Herons, Egrets, Gravelots, Storks... Look up, and you'll come face to face with a ballet of strange birds! Solo or in a group, discover our gentle itineraries for observing birds and local fauna. Just one condition: keep a low profile and... take your time!
Open your eyes wide
Head for the village of Saint-Sornin, south of Marennes. After winding your way through the village's narrow streets, you're off on an almost 18-kilometer loop through the heart of the Brouage marshes, to discover the region's most famous feather balls. Classified as a Natura 2000 site, the marshes have become a preferred nesting and migration area for some 150 species of free-ranging birds. In spring and autumn, it's the opening of a veritable bird ball. A last effort to climb to the top of the Broue tower, and you'll discover an unobstructed view of the marshes, ramparts and storks' nests. On your way down through the little wood, stop off at the observatory... well hidden, be patient, it's not unusual for harriers or herons to prepare a nice surprise for you!
- Link to itinerary: Walking tour, from the village of Saint-Sornin to the Tour de Broue 7km
To learn and protect
South-east of Oléron, from Château d'Oléron to the village of Boyardville, follow the famous Route des Huîtres. You'll arrive at one of the island's most authentic sites: the Moëze-Oléron nature reserve. Fresh and salt water unite, forming a veritable sanctuary for flora and fauna. It offers a typical landscape of multicolored oyster huts in the middle of the oyster beds. As you walk along the five interpretation trails, you'll learn to recognize, discover and protect birds such as the small Sanderlings, Ring-necked Plovers and Great Gravelots that hide among the grasses!
Want to find out more?
- Moëze-Oléron nature reserve
- Marais aux Oiseaux, April to November
To awaken your senses
On the outskirts of Saint-Georges d'Oléron, the former Douhet salt marsh is now partly managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral. Its mission? To preserve and promote this sensitive ecosystem. Starting from the port of Le Douhet, stroll along an 8-kilometer marked loop between the channels. Many species of birds find refuge here. Younger visitors will marvel at the large gulls, and learn to recognize elegant herons, egrets, shelducks and even a few birds of prey! The colors are at their most beautiful at sunrise or sunset, with the added bonus of the gentle ballet of egrets on this beautiful canvas.
To discover unique species
Back to the mainland. Alongside the town of Saint-Just-Luzac, discover a new wetland: the Seudre marsh. Located on the edge of the estuary, where fresh and salt water mix. Get out your binoculars: some astonishing nesting species, protected at national and European level, including the White Stilt, the Marsh Harrier and the Shelduck, live there peacefully... Biodiversity of the highest order! The marsh is a refuge and feeding ground for many birds, both sedentary and migratory. On a 6-kilometer loop around Nieulle, it's a choice discovery for all budding ornithologists!
- Link to itineraries: Circuit pédestre, côté Luzac 6 km and Balade entre Petit Nieulle et Grand Nieulle 8 km