A walk in the Le Teich ornithological reserve

The Teich bird sanctuary covers 110 hectares on the shores of the Arcachon Basin, surrounded by superb landscapes of marshes, lagoons and wooded areas. Created in 1972 by a group of ornithologists who wanted to protect the birds around the basin, the reserve is now a perfectly equipped site for birdwatching.

Since its creation, more than 300 species of birds have been observed, and several dozen species nest here, including storks, grey herons and robins. Most birds nest in spring. Other bird species can only be seen in winter.

There are also two migration periods, one from late winter to late spring, the other during the summer and autumn. Depending on the period, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the white duck, the little egret or the black-headed gull. This bird sanctuary has a role to play not only in observation and education, but also in tourism.

To see a greater concentration of birds, it is advisable to visit during the wintering period at high tide. To make sure you visit the reserve at the right time, the reserve's website lists the best observation periods, month by month.

This visit is not just for birdwatchers (who will of course find a little paradise here). In fact, everyone can marvel at the beauty of the reserve's landscapes and the magic of the show put on by the hundreds of birds, some more rare than others.

The reserve can be visited on foot, following an attractive, well-maintained path. In total, the trail makes a 6km loop and passes by 20 observation huts, as well as high vantage points from which to admire the reserve's landscapes. Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the tour, taking your time. There is also a shorter trail of 2.5 km, as well as an itinerary suitable for people with reduced mobility.

As well as allowing visitors to freely observe the animals, the reserve organises a number of activities. Guided tours are available every morning during school holidays and in the evenings during the summer. We highly recommend these tours for the uninitiated, as they allow you to get the most out of the place. Finally, the reserve is also an exceptional place for wildlife photography enthusiasts. In particular, the observation huts have been designed to meet the needs of photographers.

Visiting the bird sanctuary is suitable for all the family. The paths are well laid out, the site is very informative and has been designed to be fun. In particular, there are educational games for children to help them distinguish the different bird species. At each observation post, you'll also find the names and illustrations of the most frequently observed bird species.

📍 Location: Rue du Port BP 11 33470 Le Teich - Nouvelle-Aquitaine - France

🚌 Getting there: the Teich ornithological reserve is around 1 hour from Bordeaux by car. You can also get there by train, as Le Teich SNCF station is on the TER Bordeaux - Arcachon line. Finally, if you're staying nearby, you should know that the reserve is served by several cycle paths that allow you to come from several towns, such as Arcachon, Lacanau or Le Porge.

⏰ Opening times: all year round, except 25 December, from 10am to 6 or 8pm, depending on the season.

👛 Prices:

• adults: 9.80 euros
• concessions: 7.60 euros (children aged 5 and over, students, etc.)

👉 If you don't have binoculars, you can hire them at the entrance to the reserve.

For more information, click here

🍴 Where to eat?

Located at the entrance to the reserve, Brasserie Du Delta serves home-cooked food using local and seafood products. The establishment is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, and at weekends from 10am to 6pm. Ideal for a bite to eat or a coffee break before or after visiting the reserve!