Make the most of your nights at Les Grenettes Hotel on the Île de Ré to visit the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve!
A well-sheltered reserve on the Île de Ré
At the northern tip of the Île de Ré, the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve occupies part of the Fier d'Ars territory, a sheltered bay naturally protected from sea winds and swells. This insular reserve faces the Baie de l’Aiguillon, another protected natural area on the mainland. The island’s mild climate, renowned for its abundant sunshine and low rainfall, makes the Lilleau des Niges Reserve a vital habitat, nesting site, wintering stopover, or breeding ground for numerous species, mainly birds. The site has been classified as a Nature Reserve since 1980. The protected area spans former salt marshes, salt meadows, and mudflats, covering 220 hectares. It is managed by the French League for the Protection of Birds (LPO). The entire Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve is accessible by bike thanks to an extensive network of cycling paths that wind through the island’s dunes, forests, and marshlands.
Species to Encounter
The Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve is geographically unique, located along the Atlantic migration route used by birds traveling from northern regions (Scandinavia, the British Isles, or Greenland) toward Africa. The proximity of other natural reserves, such as the Aiguillon Reserve, also facilitates population exchanges. The Reserve serves as a true migratory crossroads for birds, with more than 300 different species recorded in this part of the island. During the nesting season, from mid-March to mid-August, many water birds can be observed, such as the brightly colored Shelduck, which has become the reserve’s emblem, or the Common Tern. The area also provides a permanent food source for the Grey Heron and the Marsh Harrier. Recognized as one of France’s most important sites for wintering birds, the Lilleau des Niges Reserve hosts species like the Eurasian Teal and the Wigeon, as well as elegant Avocets and Eurasian Curlews. In spring and autumn, migratory species stop in the Fier d’Ars to rest and refuel before continuing their journey, with some, like White Spoonbills, deciding to stay through the winter. Birds are easily observed with binoculars, and entire flocks of Silver Plovers or Redshanks, for example, offer unique spectacles during their group take-offs.
The Maison du Fier
Located in the heart of the Fier d’Ars salt marshes, the Maison du Fier is an interpretation and discovery center dedicated to the natural heritage of Île de Ré. A must-visit before exploring the Lilleau des Niges Reserve, this site managed by the LPO (French Bird Protection League) will help you prepare your observations by providing insights into the island’s fauna and flora. Housed in a former wooden hangar, the Maison du Fier offers an interactive exhibit where visitors can explore the island’s nature through a fun and educational journey, suitable for both adults and children. Outdoors, marked walking trails are equipped with interpretive panels and observation points to help you spot bird species in their natural habitat. The Maison du Fier also organizes a variety of nature activities for all ages, such as birdwatching outings with free binocular loans. LPO volunteers lead guided nature walks with telescopes. Binoculars are also available at fixed observation points during the season. For nature enthusiasts, the Maison du Fier offers thematic outings to discover other remarkable natural areas on the island, including explorations of Saint-Martin's fortifications, the shellfish and crustaceans of the foreshore, or twilight wildlife.