Teich Ornithological Reserve A preserved natural space on the Arcachon basin

THE TEICH ORNITHOLOGICAL RESERVE

Closer to wild birds

The Teich Ornithological Reserve is a natural space preserved and developed to welcome wild birds and encourage their observation by the public.

110 hectares of woodland, reedbeds, meadows, maritime marshes and lagoons are spread from the continental sector to the maritime shores of the Arcachon basin. This diversity of natural habitats conditions the presence of a large number of species of birds which will naturally use the places permanently or temporarily.

328 species or subspecies have already been identified here since 1972, of which 91 nest or have nested on site.

The role played by the Teich Ornithological Reserve in the conservation of certain rare species has earned it recognition as being of International Importance.

The Ornithological Reserve borders the Arcachon basin, and in particular the sector of this lagoon occupied by immense mudflats which are exposed at low tide. This privileged location allows thousands of birds to take refuge at high tide on the resting places of the Reserve, to leave for the mudflats as soon as the tide goes down.

From August to May in particular, the visitor must therefore take into account the rhythm of the tides to optimize their visit. A very precise calendar for the current year is available at the entrance or on the website.

The Teich Ornithological Reserve is above all a site open to the public interested in observing nature. All the arrangements and equipment here contribute to promoting a close encounter between wild birds and visitors. Numerous information panels reinforce the understanding of natural phenomena which sometimes take place right in front of the public.
Thousands of schoolchildren are welcomed here all year round.

The Ornithological Reserve can be visited all year round and offers ornithological and landscape opportunities every day. It is therefore impossible to advise “THE” best period, which will essentially depend on the tastes, sensitivity and knowledge of each person. The ideal is to visit it every season, to have more chances of discovering the nature shows that the site hosts!

The Reserve is visited on foot, along a 6 km loop trail. 20 closed observation huts punctuate the trail in the most favorable places for seeing birds. Distributed approximately every 300m, they allow a comfortable visit whatever the weather. 4 elevated viewpoints including a Belvedere offer a view of the landscapes of the Reserve or its surroundings.

In order to discover the Reserve and its birds, activities are organized throughout the year by naturalists from the Maison de la Nature du bassin d'Arcachon. They are aimed at both beginners and people who are already well informed.

The Ornithological Reserve is also a wonderfully suited site for wildlife photography . In recent years, it has become a preferred destination for a number of professional and amateur photographers who all find there material to collect original or unpublished images,
and above all to have fun!

Good to know :

• Open every day of the year (except 12/25)
• Hours from 10 a.m.; closing between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. depending on the season
• Prices: €9.90 per adult / €7.70 per child / reduced prices and subscriptions for several days or the year are also offered
• Reservations required for guided tours and activities (canoeing on the Leyre) offered in partnership with the Maison de la Nature (which is attached to the Reserve).
• Possible rental of binoculars for better observation
• Dogs and other pets are prohibited
• Catering possible at the entrance to La Réserve at the Brasserie du Delta
• Specialized shop at the entrance to the site

We received the certificate of excellence for TRIP ADVISOR