The ornithological park of the Marais poitevin

27 September 2018

As a true open-sky museum, the ornithological park of the Marais poitevin, located in Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, is an ideal place for a family excursion. If you can indeed find a jetty which gives you the possibility to do both a visit of the park and a boat trip, it’s on foot that we decided to go to the discovery of the 75 different bird species of the park.

A stroll for children and amateur ornithologists

As you probably realise by the name, this park is entirely dedicated to birds. You may catch a coypu, a horse or goats, but the birds are the main attraction of the park. Along the three-kilometre stroll across the marsh, you can observe ducks, geese, a peacock, storks, etc. All birds owned by the park are in captivity. Around 300 different species live and breed here.

Ibis facinelle

The routes marked with panels indicating the “migration routes” ( sequence of the visit) are also marked with small posters that are a true source of information on the fauna and the flora of the Marais poitevin. You walk on marked routes that are completely integrated to the marsh and you are rocked by the sound of different bird songs. You go through aviaries and canals more or less in the hot sun. This visit is at the same time didactic with the numerous indications and relaxing. Everyone goes at its own pace and enjoys the bucolic and natural environment.

Paper chase and maze for young visitors

If you come to the park with your family, several activities are available for you.  Children aged 4 to 14 are invited to a paper chase with four different levels according to ages. With the help of clues scattered in the park, they have to decipher a mysterious sentence and a secret message. Young and old persons are also invited to follow Momo, the flycatcher in the maze to learn more about migration.

The visit of the park concludes with the projection of a 20-minute film about the different bird species present in the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park, from the Aiguillon Bay to the canals of Coulon.

Follow Momo the Gobe fly to visit the Ornithological Park Birds of the Marais poitevin.

For a picnic lunch, numerous tables are available in the site for visitors. To refuel, the restaurant of the park “the Restologique” offers numerous local products and specialties, working with producers. Vendée ham, angelica or even mojette beans… come discover the flavours of the authentic Marais poitevin!

The Marais poitevin is a paradise for migratory birds, coming every year in the Aiguillon Bay. In addition to the visit of the ornithological park, you can observe throughout the year the 330 species of the territory during a bike ride or a walking tour, or even by visiting the natural reserves such as the Michel Brosselin Reserve in Saint-Denis-du-Payré.

The ornithological park “The Birds of the Marais poitevin” is marked Valeurs Parc naturel régional.