In Charente-Maritime, between Oleron Island and the continent, the Nature Reserve of Moëze-Oléron is a real breath of fresh air for visitors longing for nature. Come observe birds and hike with a naturalist guide among lagoons, mudflats, and sandbanks.
Unspoiled nature facing the island of Oléron
Placed between the marsh of Brouage and the sea of Pertuis, in the heart of the bay of Marennes-Oleron, the Nature Reserve of Moëze-Oléron extends over 6,100 hectares of sea surface and 200 hectares of land surface, shared by breeders, fishermen, oyster farmers and thousands of birds. The reserve Moëze-Oléron is one of the most important of Charente-Maritime and one of the nation's premier sites for migrating birds.
Independent nature outing on the interpretation trails
The nature reserve is open year-round. Several interpretive trails are accessible to families and individuals for self-guided visits. These marked trails are equipped with information panels, platforms, and observation decks, allowing for independent exploration of the site.
- The Lais de mer trail (1 km round trip)
- The Sablières trail (1 km round trip)
- The Polders Trail (1.4 km loop)
- The Tannes trail (2.5 km round trip, suitable for cycling)
- The Château d'Oléron interpretation trail (2.8 km round trip)
A topoguide is available at the reserve's nature center, at the Plaisance FarmThe reception area also offers an interactive exhibition to discover the reserve's flora and fauna, including the water birds that inhabit the marshes. Binoculars can also be rented to better observe the reserve's feathered guests without disturbing them.
guided tours with the Reserve's guides
All year round, the activity leaders of the Reserve accompany families and groups on the trails of Moëze-OléronOn the program: guided discoveries, nature walks, themed creative workshops, treasure hunts, etc. Not to be missed: nature outings with the LPO Oléron guides to discover the birds of the Reserve and learn more about their way of life.
Birdwatching in the Moëze-Oléron nature reserve
Located on a major migratory corridor between theNorthern Europe And Africa, the Nature Reserve of Moëze-Oléron is of great ornithological interest. Nearly 300 species of birds have been observed between lagoons, mudflats and sandbanks.
During the winter, the site welcomes nearly 20,000 geese and ducks and 80,000 waders who find shelter and food there. There are also nearly 13,000 red knots and 30,000 dunlins. It is one of the top five wintering sites for migratory birds in France. Some sometimes travel up to 15,000 kilometers before landing in the bay of Marennes-Oleron !
In spring and autumn, you can observe many species of nesting birds, including the Common Redshank, the Black-winged Stilt, the Pied Avocet, the Common Shelduck, the Black-tailed Godwit and the Bluethroat mirror. For several years, a few pairs of white storks have also been observed in the marshes of Brouage.
Tip: The best time to birdwatch is two hours before high tide (as with fishing on foot ) !
Also discover during your stay on Oleron Island, the oyster and natural site of Fort Royer.
Practical information:
– Nature reserve of Moëze-Oléron : Route de Plaisance, 17780 Saint-Froult, tel. 07 68 24 70 23. Interpretive trails accessible all year round from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., guided and self-guided tours. More info
– Where to stay: our 4-star Airotel Oléron campsite welcomes you to Oleron Castle for a nature holiday, in a mobile home, chalet or on a tent, caravan or camper van pitch. In the immediate vicinity: the discovery trail of Oleron Castle which walks on the top of the dune of the beach of Oleron Castle at the forefront of Soft (interpretation route of the Moëze-Oléron RNN).
photo@© Stéphanie Nadouce / CMT