Réserve naturelle nationale de la Belle Henriette

Footbridge with observation point over the Belle Henriette.

La Belle Henriette is one of the last remaining naturally functioning Atlantic lagoons. Between La Tranche-sur-Mer and La Faute-sur-Mer, it extends over 337 hectares combining dunes, foreshore and brackish environments. Formed in the XXᵉ century, it experienced numerous storms before naturally reconnecting with the ocean in 2014. Since then, the lagoon has evolved to the rhythm of the tides, offering rare landscapes.

Managed by the LPO and the Agence Française de la Biodiversité (French Biodiversity Agency), the reserve protects a fragile territory while welcoming the public along signposted paths. Other uses are still possible, but are strictly controlled to preserve the ecological richness of the site.

La Belle Henriette is a veritable balcony overlooking migration. The lagoon attracts many species of birds, with its brackish waters, mudflats and dunes forming a mosaic of habitats. Depending on the season, you can see waders on a migratory stopover, herons and egrets in search of food, and seabirds taking advantage of storms. Observation points along the paths allow you to admire the fauna without disturbing it, and the LPO's guided tours offer an ideal opportunity to understand the behaviour and cycles of these winged travellers.