The Bird Marsh
The Marais aux Oiseaux is a property of the Charente-Maritime department located in the heart of the Ile d'Oléron, within some 130 hectares of deciduous woodland and former salt marshes pre-empted as sensitive natural areas. It is one of the sites in the Charente-Maritime department's Échappées Nature network, and is also a member of the Explore Oléron network set up by the Ile d'Oléron community of municipalities.
Les Grissotières
17550
Dolus-d'Oléron
Visit to Echappée Nature du Marais aux Oiseaux
Take a stroll through the woods (oak grove) and marshes along a 1.5km path lined with information points on the life and habits of the main species you'll come across. There are also chalets with exhibitions (on nesting boxes, for example).
All year round, the Marais aux Oiseaux offers events to raise awareness and help you discover more about the marsh. Access to the events, which do not require booking, is included in your admission to the marsh.
The trail is ideal for observing the 130 species of vertebrates found on and around the site. Discover, for example, a heronry containing dozens of pairs of Grey Herons, Little Egrets and Cattle Egrets.
In addition to these species, if you pay close attention you can see or hear such emblematic species as the European Kingfisher, the European Oriole and the Hoopoe.
A 9 m high observatory offers a panoramic view of the site. A binocular telescope (20 x 80) allows you to observe the herons, birds of prey, gulls and other small waders that frequent the site.
The Marais aux Oiseaux plays an active role in protecting and understanding nature in a variety of ways: raising awareness among the general public, environmental education for schoolchildren, inventories, etc.
Additional information
Good to know:
Most of the wild species that come to the site are migratory and only use it occasionally. The best time to observe these species is when they are breeding, in spring.
Visiting conditions:
. Dogs and pets are not permitted
. All minors must be accompanied by an adult
To contact the site, dial the telephone number and press 2.
Motor disability
Tourism and disability’ accreditation for people with motor disabilities
Hearing disability
Tourism and disability’ accreditation for the hearing impaired
Visual impairment
Tourism and disability’ accreditation for the visually impaired
Mental disability
Tourism and disability’ accreditation for the mentally handicapped
Temporary closure
Opening hours
OPEN FROM 11 FEBRUARY 2026 TO 1 NOVEMBER 2026
From 11 February to 8 March: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 2pm to 6pm.
From 9 March to 3 April: Wednesday and Friday from 2pm to 6pm.
From 4 April to 3 May: Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Saturdays. Sunday: 14:00 to 18:00.
From 4 May to 30 June: Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 18:00. Saturday and Sunday: 14:00 to 18:00.
From 1 July to 31 August: Every day from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
From 1 September to 30 September: Every day: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
From 1 October to 16 October: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
From 17 October to 1 November: Every day from 2pm to 6pm. Closed on Saturdays.
Last admission 1 hour before closing time.
Annual closure on 2 November 2026.
Access by car
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass (adult rate only): receive a €10 discount on the rental of a Yélomobile car.
Reach the sites included in your pass around La Rochelle, with the yellow-topped Yélomobile car-sharing car: book in advance, for 1 hour or several days, Yélomobile cars make it easier to get around La Rochelle.
Details of fares and conditions of access to the Yélomobile service
Seasonal closure
Public price
Adult : €5.00Child (6 to 11 years old) : €4.00
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €4.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeChild (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : Free