La Réserve naturelle nationale de la Baie de l'Aiguillon

A remarkable natural site. The Baie de l'Aiguillon is the result of the filling in of the Golfe des Pictons. It stretches between the departments of Vendée and Charente-Maritime.

There are two main habitats in the Baie de l'Aiguillon: salt meadows and mudflats. The salt meadows or Mizottes, covered by the sea at high tide coefficients, are home to vegetation consisting mainly of salt-loving species such as glasswort. Mudflats, also known as slikke, are formed by the accumulation of fine clay sediments of marine origin. These large areas are home to a wealth of life, including large numbers of molluscs and worms, which serve as food for waders and certain ducks.

The Baie de l'Aiguillon is an important site for migratory and wintering waterfowl. You can see greylag geese, Belon shelducks, elegant avocets, pintails, black-tailed godwits, red knots and many other species.

Every month throughout the year, a free outing entitled "The bay through the seasons" is offered, accompanied by the reserve's activity leader. Information and booking from the Sud Vendée Littoral Tourist Office.