Platier d'Oye nature reserve

Our expert France

Platier d'Oye nature reserve

The Conservatoire du Littoral (French Coastline Conservatory) was set up in 1974 to protect the biological balance of natural coastal habitats, and it is responsible for the 351 acres of the Platier d'Oye nature reserve.
After cleaning up the area and implementing immediate preservation measures (banning dumping, demolishing old ruins and closing the area to cars), the Platier d'Oye was opened to the public.
However, given the fragile nature of the ecosystem, in particular the dunes, it was necessary to make sure that the touristic promotion of the site went hand in hand with protecting its more vulnerable areas.
In order to help the wildlife regenerate and conquer new ground, hunting was banned on the land managed by the Conservatory (the mud flats and beaches of the Domaine Public Maritime area are not covered by this ban and hunting is permitted there for much of the year).
It has been recognised that sites like the Platier d'Oye can only be successfully protected with the active support of the visitors themselves, who need to be aware of the fragility of the biotope and the impact that tourism has.
For this reason, visitors are asked to keep to the marked paths - which are dotted with many information and explanation sign-posts - especially during the nesting season. It is important not to disturb brooding birds, so dogs must, of course, be kept on a leash at all times!
To explore this superb landscape in the best conditions, guided visits are organised on the first Sunday of the month at 9:30 am (?3 per adult).
A word of advice: whatever you do, don't forget your binoculars, because the various observatories enable you to view numerous bird species.