Animal species to be preserved
The various natural environments along the coast boast rare and protected flora and fauna. Species typical of the Aquitaine coast include the small black and yellow spotted salamander, the osprey and the great crested grebe. All these species are part of our region's natural heritage, and some are protected. The Egyptian vulture, Europe's smallest vulture, recognizable by its white tail, the bearded vulture and the European mink are among the species subject to conservation measures. The latter is one of the most endangered carnivorous mammals. Although its current habitat covers seven départements in the south-west of France, it is half the size it was 20 years ago! Present all along the Aquitaine coast, the mink, a semi-aquatic species, lives on the banks of rivers. A number of fish species are also covered by conservation plans, including lamprey, salmon, eel, sturgeon, trout and shad. Conversely, invasive species need to be regulated, such as the coypu, which lives in freshwater environments and is found in Bordeaux and the surrounding area.
The migration of the whooping cranes
The region is located on a major migratory route, allowing many species to be observed in the sky. The Aquitaine coastline is rich in wetlands, making it an ideal stopover for birds. As a result, it's not uncommon to observe several of them wintering in the region, including greylag geese and red kites. The grey crane, also known as the "dame grise", spends its vacations between the Landes and Gironde regions. Every year, this species breeds in Northern Europe before migrating in early autumn. According to the Landes ethnologist and poet Félix Arnaudin, the migration of this protected species dates back to the 18th century. Between 30,000 and 60,000 species have been counted in the region, more precisely in the Landes de Gascogne (figures fluctuate according to the weather). Recognizable by their elegant, imposing silhouette (over two meters wingspan), ash-gray plumage, long, pointed gray beak and black, plume-like tail, these birds fly in V- or Y-shaped groups. To make sure you don't miss out on the migration and wintering of these species, guided tours are available. If you'd like to observe the show, we invite you to get in touch with the ornithologist guides of the Landes Gascogne Regional Nature Park and the LPO. They organize supervised outings that are well worth the detour. To make the most of the show, treat yourself to comfortable on-site accommodation. A number of gîtes and chambres d'hôtes are located close to the birdwatching sites. The Grus Gascogna collective, which is dedicated to the preservation of the grey crane, can provide all the information you need. If you're looking for an ecologically responsible tourist vacation, you've come to the right place.
In the middle of the forest
In the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, forests are particularly prevalent in Gironde and Landes. According to the Centre régional de la propriété forestière de Nouvelle-Aquitaine, on the Aquitaine coast, the afforestation rate is almost 50%, with a majority of maritime pines and some pedunculate oak forests. Planted for paper production and processing, the maritime pine leaves a little room in its undergrowth for cork oak, but also tauzin oak in the clearings and holm oak near the coast. In these forests, you can observe several species, including the hoopoe, a most elegant and atypical bird, with russet plumage and sumptuous black and white wings. The Landes forests are also home to many roe deer, recognizable by their roze, a patch of white or yellowish hair on their buttocks. But it's hard to come across them, as they're a rather shy species. Try your luck in the early morning or at sunset. In the Landes de Gascogne forest, wild boar, badgers, pheasants, woodcock, European hares, oak jays and deer are just some of the animals you'll come across on your walks.
On the coast
The French commune of La Teste-de-Buch is home to Europe's largest dune: the Dune du Pilat. The dune is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many hardy, weather-resistant plants that have fallen victim to trampling. On this exceptional natural monument, which will be 103.6 metres high by 2023, and stretches over almost 3 km in length and around 600 metres in width, it's not unusual to see sand immortelle, a herbaceous perennial with yellow flowers (blooming in July/August); the oyat, also known as sand reed, a drought-resistant plant found on all coastal dunes, or the thyme-leaved toadflax, recognizable by its yellow flowers, a nationally protected species that is unique in the world. But did you know that the Pilat Dune is in perpetual motion? Sensitive to the whims of the wind, it retreats a few meters every year.
The tip of Cap Ferret is still home to numerous plant and animal species. The Île aux Oiseaux, a small, unspoilt corner in the heart of the Arcachon Basin, is home to a wealth of birdlife. Nearly 150 species of wintering, migratory and nesting birds can be observed on the site all year round, not far from the famous "cabanes tchanquées", the stilt houses once inhabited by oyster farm guards. Numerous species of fish are also present in Atlantic waters, including sea bass, cuttlefish, triggerfish and sea bream. Not to mention marine mammals such as sperm whales and rorqual whales.
Why not take a boat trip to discover the ocean's treasures? Offshore, you'll find a number of marine species, including grey seals, porpoises and dolphins. As for the flora, the underwater vegetation is extremely rich, with numerous aquatic plants playing an essential role. Known as eelgrass beds, they provide a natural habitat for small species such as seahorses, spider crabs and other molluscs.
In the Basque mountains
The Basque mountains, the natural border with Spain, make up just one-fifth of the Pyrenees. They begin at the summit of La Rhune, which boasts an exceptional natural heritage and a sublime panorama of the French coastline. These heights are home to a breed of hardy ponies known as pottok (pronounced pottiok), which means "little horse" in Basque. Characterized by their black coat and small size (maximum 1.32 m), these little horses are found in the mountains, where they live for at least nine months. Originally, these robust animals were used for agricultural work. They live in groups, mainly in the Ursuya, Baïgoura, Artzamendi and Rhune mountain ranges. There is also a breed (Pottok de prairie) that lives in contact with humans and is used for sports and leisure activities.
The Basque mountains are also home to the red-headed Manech ewe (whose milk produces the PDO Ossau-Iraty cheese), the griffon vulture, the bearded vulture and the betisoak, a native breed of cattle also known as the betizu. These are wild cows adapted to the wild conditions of mountain life, and recognizable by their red color and long horns. If you're lucky, you might even spot the dahu, which lives in the high mountains. Its legs are shorter on one side than the other, making it easy to move around on the slopes. Unless it's just a legend... On the plant side, it's quite astonishing to see a species of plant growing that's mainly found in south-western Australia. Drosera is a small insectivorous plant, recognizable by its reddish tufts. Of course, it's forbidden to pick it or damage the bog!
Bird parks
Sometimes wildlife remains a secret, and the best way to observe it is in a bird park. On the Aquitaine coast, there are two places in Gironde that catch our attention and are well worth a visit. The first, Terres d'oiseaux, is a 120-hectare reserve on the edge of the Gironde estuary, set in an area of unspoilt marshland and home to numerous migratory and breeding birds. The panoramic tower at the entrance to the site gives an idea of the discoveries to come. The choice is yours, whether you prefer a free stroll or a guided tour with a naturalist! Four loops are available, and one trail is suitable for families with young children and for people with reduced mobility.
The Parc Ornithologique du Teich, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty, is another special place to visit. Since 1972, this ornithological reserve has been organized for wild birdwatching in the heart of forests, marshes, meadows and lagoons The reserve is located on an important migration route, where 300 species rest. For birdwatching, small stations have been set up along the routes, including one high up with a sublime panoramic view of the Arcachon Basin. Each station is dedicated to a particular species. Also in Anglet, the Izadia ecological park is a charming place, accessible to all and sure to please nature lovers. This wetland is home to a diversity of insects, mammals, reptiles and birds, all of which can be observed in their natural habitat. An experience not to be missed!
