Réserve Orni­thologique du Teich

THE TEICH ORNITHOLOGICAL RESERVE
CLOSE TO WILD BIRDS

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

110 hectares of woodland, reed beds, meadows, maritime marshes and lagoons are distributed 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 site permanently or temporarily.

323 species or subspecies have already been identified here since 1972, of which 91 nest or have nested there.

The role played by the Teich Ornithological Reserve for 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 mud flats which are discovered at low tide. This privileged situation allows thousands of birds to take refuge at high tide on the resting places of the Reserve, to set out again towards the mud flats 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 his arrival. 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 sensitive to the observation of nature. All the facilities and equipment work together to promote a close encounter between wild birds and visitors. Numerous information panels strengthen 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 Bird Watching Reserve is visited all year round and offers bird watching and landscape opportunities every day.

It is therefore impossible to advise "THE" best period, which will depend essentially on the tastes, the sensitivity, the knowledge of each. The ideal is to visit it every season, to have more chances of discovering the nature shows that the site hosts!

You can visit the Reserve on foot, along a 6 km loop trail. 20 closed observation huts punctuate the trail in the most favorable places to see birds. Distributed approximately every 300m, they allow a comfortable visit whatever the weather. 4 elevated viewpoints including a Belvedere offering a vision of the landscapes of the Reserve or its surroundings.

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

The Ornithological Reserve is also a wonderfully suitable site for wildlife photography. Over the past few years, it has become a privileged destination for a number of professional and amateur photographers, all of whom find material to collect original or new images, and above all to have fun!

Good to know:
• Canoe rental in long or short free descent: discover at your own pace with friends or family the Leyre and its gallery forest labeled wild river
• Open every day of the year (except 25/12)
• Hours from 10 am; closed between 6 pm and 8 pm depending on the season
• Rates: 9.70 per adult / 7.50 per child / reduced rates and subscriptions for several days or the year are also offered
• Compulsory reservation for guided tours and activities offered in partnership with the Maison de la Nature (which backs onto the Reserve).
• Binoculars can be rented for better observation
• Dogs and other pets are not allowed
• Catering at the Brasserie le DELTA and shop on site

We had the certificate of excellence for TRIP ADVISOR