Teich Ornithological Reserve A preserved natural space on the Arcachon Basin

THE TEICH BIRD RESERVE

Up close to wild birds

The Teich Ornithological Reserve is a preserved natural space designed to welcome wild birds and encourage their observation by the public.
110 hectares of woodlands, reed beds, meadows, 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 bird species that will naturally use the area permanently or temporarily.
328 species or subspecies have already been identified here since 1972, of which 91 nest or have nested here.

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 Reserve's resting places, to return to the mudflats as soon as the tide goes out.

From August to May in particular, visitors should take the tides into account 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 facilities and equipment here contribute to encouraging close encounters between wild birds and visitors. Numerous information panels reinforce the understanding of natural phenomena that 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 birdwatching and scenic opportunities every day. It is therefore impossible to recommend "THE" best time, which will essentially depend on the tastes, sensitivity, and knowledge of each person. The ideal is to visit it in each season, to have more chances to discover the natural spectacles that the site hosts!

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

To help visitors discover the Reserve and its birds, activities are organized throughout the year by the naturalists of the Maison de la Nature du Bassin d'Arcachon. They are aimed at both beginners and those already well-informed.

The Ornithological Reserve is also a wonderfully suited site for wildlife photography. In recent years, it has become a favorite destination for many professional and amateur photographers, all of whom 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 25/12)
• Opening 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 rates and subscriptions for several days or the year are also available
• Reservations required for guided tours and activities (canoeing on the Leyre) offered in partnership with the Maison de la Nature (which is adjacent to the Reserve)
• Binoculars can be rented for better observation.
• Dogs and other pets are prohibited
• Catering available at the entrance to La Réserve at the Brasserie du Delta
• Specialist shop at the entrance to the site

We received the Certificate of Excellence for TRIP ADVISOR.