The Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island)
Once upon a time, there was a small, protected island in the middle of Arcachon Bay. Everyone knows the Île aux Oiseaux’s two picture-postcard Cabanes Tchanquées. What is less known is that the island is home to some fifty wooden cabins, some of which are occupied during the holiday period and some, almost all year-round. In these small cabins which are difficult to get to, there is no running water or electricity and the nearest grocery store is several kilometres away by boat when the tide is favourable. All the inhabitants agree on one thing; they are living in a corner of paradise.
Natural treasures
The island is aptly named! It has great ornithological wealth composed of nesters, migrating or wintering species. 150 different species of birds can be observed on the site throughout the year. There are 300, 000 to 400,000 birds which rest or hibernate here. The plant life is equally special… most of the island is composed of wetland areas where numerous plant species are hidden. These are the only salt meadows on the Atlantic Coast which have never been touched by human intervention. The Île aux Oiseaux offers its visitors natural treasures and outstanding biodiversity.
