La Réserve naturelle nationale de la Casse de la Belle Henriette

The Belle Henriette National Nature Reserve is a rich and rare natural area, a precious witness to the natural mechanisms by which sandy coasts are formed and evolve. Themed events are held on a regular basis, for more information contact the Tourist Office.

Created by ministerial decree on 31 August 2011, the Belle Henriette national nature reserve covers 337 hectares of land and sea between La Tranche-sur-Mer and La Faute-sur-Mer.

The reserve is managed by the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux) and the AFB (Agence Française de la Biodiversité) in partnership with the FDC85 (Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs de la Vendée) for hunting management and public awareness.

The integration of the reserve into the local socio-economic fabric (maintaining beach access) and the adaptation of uses are central to management. The main management objective is to protect the exceptional and sensitive natural heritage. Biological monitoring is used to expand scientific knowledge and to adapt and evaluate management measures. The co-managers and the management partner also aim to raise awareness of the reserve's natural wealth, particularly through communication media and field trips.

On this coastal site, which is subject to frequent and rapid changes, public safety on the paths and beaches, as well as the protection of property and people (dunes, dykes, etc.), remains the responsibility of the State and the local authorities.

The mission of the reserve team is to ensure compliance with the regulations. Traffic, sporting, cultural and leisure activities are still possible, but they can only be carried out on the developed access paths and beaches. Dogs are allowed on the paths and beaches provided they are kept on a lead. Fishing is prohibited in the lagoon and brackish water areas. On the foreshore, fishing on foot and fishing activities are authorised in accordance with current regulations. Hunting, which is authorised on an exceptional basis, is governed annually by a specific prefectoral decree.
The ministerial decree prohibits the following in particular:
- the use of motorised vehicles,
- picking plants,
- harming or disturbing animals,
- dumping waste,
- fires, camping and bivouacking