What are the must-see natural sites in the Gironde? Île Nouvelle, the Gât-Mort lagoon and Bousquey lake in Hostens, the Fleury estate in Teich, the Contaut lagoon in Hourtin and many more! These sites invite you to explore with friends or family.
Throughout the year, the Department of Gironde concocts you, with its partners, a program of accompanied outings in nature to learn to see the fauna and flora differently. Outdoor escape game, stroll at dusk, bath in the forest… discover without further delay the program.
The Domaine de Juillet and Graveyron
The Domaine de Juillet and Graveyron extends over more than 530 hectares in the heart of the Bassin d'Arcachon. It forms a vast mosaic of dykes, wet meadows, old salt marshes, fish farming ponds or hardwood and coniferous woods on which a large number of migratory birds flock in all seasons. Open every day of the year and accessible on foot, the estate offers two tours.
If you choose, you can follow the Certainty circuit for 10 km to discover the fish ponds. Or, choose the Graveyron circuit over 5,4 km, to observe all the variety of agricultural landscapes in the Bassin d'Arcachon. The estate also offers many activities around the preservation of this natural and cultural heritage.
Did you know?
You can discover the Domaine de Juillet and Graveyron or the Domaine d'Hostens at any time by reserving a free visit accompanied by a professional nature guide by contacting 05 56 82 71 79.
With him, it is impossible to miss the unsuspected little treasures of nature.
New Island
Île Nouvelle is one of the seven islands that make up the archipelago ofEstuary of the Gironde. It stretches 6,3 km long between Pauillac and Blaye. For three centuries, the New Island was dyked and cultivated (vines then corn). There were up to 150 inhabitants there in the 1920s. Today, many buildings bear witness to this era. After a long period of work orchestrated by the Departmental Council of Gironde, this Sensitive Natural Area of 270 hectares is now a sanctuary for birds. Herons, egrets, spoonbills, swans and many more come to stay here. Every year, many free activities are organized: 4 km walk to discover the island, photo exhibitions on the hidden spaces of the island, nature activities and many more.
Focus on bird sanctuaries
The ornithological reserve of Teich
In the Leyre delta, where the fresh water of the river and the salt water of the ocean meet, many species meet. Nearly 300 species of birds migrate or nest on the ornithological reserve of Teich. In cleverly set up hides, equipped with pairs of binoculars, you will be able to observe the birds in complete discretion. For the most curious, twilight outings are organized by nature guides to allow you exclusive discoveries when the birds return to sleep on the reserve.
Terres d'Oiseaux
Located on the edge of the Gironde estuary on a perimeter of 120 hectares, the natural space Land of Birds is made up of a series of wetlands typical of the estuary which are home to rare birds and provide shelter for many insects, batrachians and mammals. Three landscaped trails allow young and old to discover birds. The site is divided into two distinct spaces: the first, free, allows visitors to access a 10-meter high observation tower, a pond, the reception building / ticket office offering a relaxation area, the café and at the store. The second space, paying, is made up of three ornithological paths dotted with observatories and interpretation panels allowing visitors to familiarize themselves with the birds of the marshes.
