Nature reserves
In the north of the department is the national reserve of the Bay of Aiguillon. Located on the great East-Atlantic migration route, this major site for migratory birds is shared between the Charente-Maritime and the Vendée. It extends over nearly 5,000 hectares and evolves every day with the tides, between salt meadows, mudflats and until complete immersion. This water, sometimes fresh or salty, is the place of predilection of a vegetation of littoral environment like the salicorne or the obione. On the fauna side, there are many species of shorebirds, including the famous elegant avocets with their black and white plumage and the black-tailed godwit, a threatened breeding bird in Europe.
The nature reserve of Moëze-Oléron is located in the south of the Charente estuary and is a favorite stopover for many birds. Created in 1985, it is composed of vast mudflats subject to the tides, natural meadows, sandy strips and dunes. Managed by the League for the Protection of Birds, this area is both exploited by man (breeding, oyster farming), but also a territory of great wealth recognized of international importance for long-distance migrants such as sandpipers. We can also observe passerines. Thanks to a lot of sunshine and low rainfall, it has seen the development of a varied flora such as the Gerard's rushes.
At the gates of La Rochelle, is the natural reserve of the Yves Marsh, one of the most favourable places for observing wildlife. You can observe shore wading birds, ducks and greylag geese in winter, while in spring, storks raise their young. Not only are the animals numerous, but this area also has a remarkable flora with more than 500 species of flowering plants. The place is composed of a great variety of environments between muddy foreshore, dunes, lagoons and tamarisk hedges.
The island of Ré is also home to a national nature reserve: Lilleau des Niges. Located inside the Fier d'Ars, this area is composed of former salt marshes, salt meadows and mud flats covered at high tide. It is a refuge, nesting and feeding area for many birds. One can observe the common tern, the elegant avocet, the white stilt or the blackbird.
Nature and wildlife parks
This network, launched by the département in collaboration with local authorities and associations, brings together natural areas with exceptional flora, fauna, landscapes and history. A total of 14 sites throughout Charente-Maritime are open to visitors, each with a "Maison" dedicated to welcoming the public. Their aim is to preserve and enhance natural areas, raise public awareness of nature's importance and make sites accessible to as many people as possible. These include the Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou, the Cabane de Moins, the salt marsh eco-museum, the Maison de la forêt, the Parc de l'Estuaire... There are also several wildlife parks, including the Marais aux oiseaux, founded in 1982 and located in the heart of the Ile d'Oléron. Bordered by former salt marshes, this 10-hectare park features over 40 species and some 600 animals. Featuring an educational mini-farm, the marsh not only allows children to discover familiar animals, but also to catch a glimpse of herons and the famous kingfisher.
Two animal parks are symbols of the Charente-Maritime region: the La Rochelle Aquarium and the Palmyre Zoological Park. The former is one of La Rochelle's best-known attractions. Set up in the heart of the town in 2001, visitors can meet over 12,000 marine animals from the Atlantic, Mediterranean and tropical regions. Octopuses, sharks, turtles and clownfish are among the best-known, but the zoo is also home to many surprising species!
Created in 1966, La Palmyre Zoo is home to some 1,500 animals. Covering an area of 18 hectares, it is one of the most visited animal parks in France. More than just an outing, La Palmyre Zoo plays a key role in the conservation of endangered species, by recreating their natural environment and participating in European conservation programs.
The Charente-Maritime coastline
Twice a day, through the play of the tides, the ocean covers the coastline. This zone, called the foreshore, is a space populated by an exceptional biodiversity. As soon as the foam is dispersed, the fishermen start to search for shellfish and crustaceans on this bare part of the beach. Some probe the mud, others lift rocks in search of shrimps, crabs and other crabs. But be careful, this area is fragile, it is necessary to apply good fishing practices such as putting back the turned over rocks or respecting the minimum sizes. Moreover, the Charente-Maritime has on its territory, a part of the Marine Natural Park of the Gironde estuary and the Pertuis sea - the second largest in France. It aims to preserve a vast oceanic space of great wealth and contributes to the knowledge of this heritage by promoting the sustainable development of maritime activities.
A remarkable flora
If it is not always easy to observe, the flora of the dunes and woods has an important role in the protection of coastal areas. Among the most emblematic plants of Charente-Maritime is the hollyhock. It blooms in many coastal villages, including those located on the two large islands of the archipelago. Pink, white or blue, it often exceeds two meters in height and sways in the wind. Emblematic of the island of Ré, this perennial flower appreciates the iodine atmosphere and is a favorite of tourists and local artists alike. Another shrub that knows how to be noticed: the mimosa! If it is more often seen in the Mediterranean, it is also present on the island of Oleron to spread its sweet fragrance. The city of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is particularly attached to this tree and dedicates a festival to it every year.
