TEICH BIRD SANCTUARY

The superb Réserve Ornithologique du Teich is a prime location for migratory and sedentary birds. It is made up of rosières, marshes, meadows and lagoons. Every year, 300,000 birds pass through here. It is accessible during the day, while respecting the tranquillity of the birds. It is therefore essential to be discreet and silent. Staff are on hand to provide practical information and to reveal the best birding opportunities at any given time. The 6 km route is also dotted with numerous information panels to help you understand natural phenomena. It is strictly forbidden to deviate from these signs. Twenty enclosed observation huts line the trail at the best bird-watching spots. Spaced every 300 meters or so, they make for a comfortable visit, whatever the weather. Six outdoor vantage points, two of them elevated, offer panoramic views of the Reserve's landscapes and surroundings. They are also excellent vantage points from which to admire active migration. The walk is very accessible, even in city shoes. Allow a minimum of three to four hours to walk around the site. A shortcut is available for those with mobility problems or small children. For people with reduced mobility, an adapted itinerary is available, avoiding observatories with stairs or steep slopes. In summer, special evening visits are organized, allowing visitors to discover the marsh at dusk, when the arrival of night changes the behavior of the birds. The Maison de la Nature du Bassin d'Arcachon is responsible for educational activities on the Reserve. Every Wednesday, they offer two fee-paying courses, limited to 15 people. The first is an introduction to birdwatching on the Reserve. The second is a refresher course to sharpen your eye. Topics include wintering birds, breeding and songbirds, waders, plumage deciphering and larids (gulls). There's also a weekend version of training courses to be taken over four specific periods, depending on the rhythm of the birds' lives. Please note that the closing time is always respected. The reserve is not open on December 25.