Welcome to Gironde, a land of adventure in the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Strolling through its charming towns is a true delight. While Bordeaux is a popular destination, Le Teich also deserves your attention. It serves as the perfect starting point to uncover the secrets of the Arcachon Bay and enjoy the beaches of La Teste-de-Buch… But the town hides a true gem: the Teich Ornithological Park, a magnificent natural reserve dedicated to preserving avian species that have made their home in the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. How about exploring this remarkable site during your stay at our Arcachon campsite? Head to southwestern France and discover the Teich Ornithological Park!

History and Mission of the Park

The Teich Ornithological Park spans 120 hectares of natural beauty. It consists of marshes, meadows, reed beds, and lagoons… This stunning natural area is located on the Arcachon Bay, in Le Teich, at the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. It was specifically designed to serve as a habitat for wild birds. Did you know? The Teich Ornithological Park has been open to visitors since 1972. To understand its origins, we must go back to 1960, the year when a group of enthusiasts founded it. This human-crafted reserve was inspired by the Zwin Nature Park in Belgium. Around 1990, the new local council partnered with the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park to establish the Bassin d’Arcachon Nature Center. The goal? To promote environmental education and eco-tourism. In 2013, the park was officially renamed the Teich Ornithological Reserve, a true nature destination. Its mission? To preserve the region’s exceptional biodiversity by protecting rare and endangered wild birds. The park welcomes thousands of students every year to raise awareness about environmental protection. Open to visitors, it features various facilities to enhance the observation of nature.

Location and Access

Nature lovers, an extraordinary journey awaits you at the Teich Bird Reserve. This natural gem in Nouvelle-Aquitaine also serves as the perfect starting point to explore the Gironde:

  • The reserve is located 5 kilometers from Gujan-Mestras, a town worth discovering during your family holiday in the region.
  • 20 kilometers from the site, you’ll find the Arcachon Bay, a charming holiday destination known for its lagoon and oysters.
  • Lège-Cap-Ferret, with its paradise-like beaches, awaits you 39 kilometers from the Teich Bird Reserve – relaxation guaranteed!
  • Bordeaux is 52 kilometers from the reserve. Take advantage of your visit to Teich to stroll through France's most beautiful vineyards...

Ready to explore the Teich Bird Reserve? The site welcomes you for self-guided visits year-round, every day (except December 25), starting at 10 a.m. As for prices, tickets cost €9.80 per adult (€7.60/child) to access the observation points. For group rates and schedules, visit https://www.reserve-ornithologique-du-teich.com/infos-pratiques/. By car, bike, or train... there are plenty of ways to reach the reserve. Your route will depend on your starting point. If you're staying at Domaine de la Forge, the campsite is just 12.5 kilometers away – about 20 minutes by car.

 

Exceptional Biodiversity

The Teich Ornithological Park is committed to preserving the wild birds of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. It plays a vital role in conserving the region's exceptional biodiversity. Over 50 years of observation, 328 species have been recorded here. Some are migratory, while others nest on-site. This is the case of the forest-dwelling Great Spotted Woodpecker, which shares its habitat with the wetland-dwelling Grey Heron and the coastal-loving Great Black-backed Gull. In January, the first White Storks begin building their nests in the reserve, while in August, the last chicks of the Water Rail born in the park take their first flight. Since nesting occurs during this period, it’s the ideal time for a visit—perfect for birdwatching!

Facilities and Amenities

This year, don’t miss your nature outing at the Teich Ornithological Park! A walking trail allows you to explore the site via a 6-kilometer loop (3-4 hours). The path is equipped with information panels and 20 observation huts. For a family-friendly option, opt for the shorter trail (2.5 kilometers). The reserve also features an accessible path for visitors with reduced mobility. In short, it ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. Forgot your binoculars? No problem! The Teich Ornithological Park has a Bird Boutique offering all the accessories for optimal birdwatching, as well as souvenirs (postcards, t-shirts, posters, handcrafted items…). If you need a guide or have trouble finding picnic areas, simply head to the reception desk.

Activities and Entertainment Offered

In partnership with the Nature Center of the Arcachon Basin, the Teich Bird Reserve offers a variety of activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages. The center welcomes school groups for day trips or longer stays throughout the year. It organizes workshop sessions dedicated to environmental education and awareness. For avid bird enthusiasts, the reserve offers guided tours every morning during school holidays. On the agenda: meet the birds of the season and learn about the park’s role in their preservation... Prefer nighttime activities? Evening tours are also available at 8 PM during the summer.

Ecological Impact and the Park’s Role in Conservation

The Teich Bird Reserve: a unique place in France! The thousands of birds you can observe here are thanks to the tireless conservation efforts of the reserve. Regular and meticulous maintenance is carried out on all infrastructures (water bodies, huts, trails, etc.). The reserve also conducts research to maintain natural habitats that attract birds and offer beautiful landscapes for visitors. Today, it plays a key role in the conservation of wild birds. It is also home to endangered mammals such as the European Mink or the Otter, contributing significantly to the preservation of the local ecosystem. Want to support this noble cause? Simply respect the rules during your visit: throw your trash in designated bins, tell your children not to shout, avoid loud conversations or music in observation areas, and don’t cut plants. See you soon at the Teich Bird Reserve? Need a place to stay nearby? Consider the Domaine de la Forge, a 4-star campsite just 20 minutes from the park. Book now and enjoy birdwatching at your leisure!