In the heart of the Ile d’Oléron, straddling the territories of Saint-Pierre d’Oléron and Dolus d’Oléron, the Marais aux Oiseaux occupies 10 hectares of natural woodland and wetlands, a nature reserve dedicated to the protection of migratory birds and the protection of nature and natural spaces. It includes a discovery park, where visitors can learn about the site’s natural riches by taking a walk and discovering the flora and fauna of these natural environments, and a center for the conservation of endangered species of animals.
A crucial center for biodiversity
Founded in 1982, the Marais aux Oiseaux rescue center takes in wild animals, including birds of prey, in need of care, with the aim of helping them recover and return to their natural habitat. The center is home to a wide range of species: many birds, but also reptiles and small mammals.
The site is equipped with aviaries, cages, rehabilitation pens and quarantine buildings. Animals in distress are cared for all year round at the center. Among them are species as varied as the European cistude tortoise, the northern gannet, the barn owl, the roe deer, the bittern and the hedgehog. To ensure the well-being and tranquility of the animals being cared for, the rescue center is not open to visitors.
The Discovery Park
The part of the Marais aux Oiseaux open to visitors consists of a 1,500-meter-long footpath through the marsh and woods, where visitors can discover a rich natural environment and a variety of wildlife. Signs inform visitors about the species they can observe on their walk.
At the start of the trail, a mini-farm popular with young children is home to familiar animals such as sheep, ducks and geese. In an enclosure, you can meet the Florida tortoise, a direct competitor of the marsh pond terrapin. The trail then leads on to discover wildlife species including grey herons, egrets, storks and kingfishers. This part of the trail calls on visitors’ powers of observation. An observatory equipped with a spyglass gives enthusiasts the opportunity to scrutinize the surroundings with even greater attention.
The Marais aux Oiseaux discovery park offers a wide range of activities for young and old: creative workshops, games, photo outings, themed guided tours and tours with educational booklets.
Rates and opening hours for tours and events
The Marais aux Oiseaux is open to the public from mid-February to mid-November. In July and August, visits are possible every day from 10 am to 7 pm. In April, May, June and September, the site is open weekday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and afternoons from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. In October, November and March, the park is open during school vacations and on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
It takes about ten minutes to get there from our campsite on the Ile d’Oléron, and about an hour to an hour and a half to get there.
The price is €4.50 full price and €2.80 children’s price (6-14 years) for a self-guided tour. Guided tours are available for groups of 20 or more. Activities organized in the park, such as drawing and sculpture workshops or photo outings, are included in the price of the self-guided tour.
Discover
Our Region
Cycle paths on the Ile d’Oléron
Visit Château-d’Oléron
Château-d’Oléron Citadel
Boyardville
Port des Salines
Port de la Cotinière
Chassiron lighthouse
Fort Boyard
The beaches of Ile Oléron
Campsite Saint-Denis-d’Oléron
Camping La Brée-les-Bains
Camping Saint-Georges-d’Oléron
Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron campsite
Boyardville Campsite
Camping Dolus-d’Oléron
Camping Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
Camping Le Grand-Village-Plage
