The Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin”

Between Niort et La Rochelle, in the heart of Poitevin marsh savage à Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, come and discover the Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin”. A unique and exciting place for ornithology and nature enthusiasts which offers the opportunity to discover the fauna and flora up close the region classified as a regional natural park.

Discovering the fauna and flora of the Marais Poitevin

The Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin” is a true sanctuary for birds. We find there more than 75 species spread over 8 hectares to discover during a bucolic stroll. Some of the most popular species include herons, mallards, geese, swans, cranes and ibises. You will also find other animals there such as Poitou donkeys or even goats, rabbits…

Borrow the peaceful and wooded paths of this place, while admiring animals in their natural habitat. Personalized hiking trails nearby also allow you to discover the natural environments furthest from the park, immersing yourself in the dense vegetation and picturesque landscapes of the Marais Poitevin.

Whether you are with family, as a couple, with friends or even alone, “The Birds of the Marais Poitevin” offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Personalized workshops and courses are organized all season but also games for children, allowing to discover the biodiversity of the Marais Poitevin in a fun way. If we had to give you one piece of advice, it would be to plan a whole day to visit the Park, there is so much to discover!

le bird park,
thepier for the boat trip or by canoe,
la projection room,
le locavore restaurant (restological) “From seed to plate”,
a Souvenir shop,
of workshops and courses (photography course, one-day healing workshop, etc.).

White stork at the ornithological park the birds of the Poitevin marsh — The Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin”

Red-breasted goose at the Poitevin marsh birds ornithological park — The Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin”

The Ornithological Park Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin

For families

The Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin” is the ideal place to come and spend some time with your family in the great outdoors.

Did you know?

The Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin” was born from a child's dream become reality for Francis, owner of the Park. Today, the Park has become a family matter since his wife, Nathalie and his son, David are also part of the adventure!

Boat trip to the ornithological park of the birds of the Potievin marsh — Virginie Pegoraro

A discovery by boat

And if you continue your visit on the water after having strolled on foot within the Park? 2 options are available to you: you can leave alone with the help of oars and a detailed plan, venture into this water labyrinth or leave with a boatman guide who will tell you the history of the Marais Poitevin, show you its fauna and flora and share with you an unusual experience: fire on the water!

ornithological park pier

The guided formula with a boatman guide was for me the best option to discover the history of the Marais Poitevin and its anecdotes!

Helena

“From seed to plate” restaurant

It was in 2015 that the restological “From seed to plate” opened its doors under the leadership of David, son of the owners. The concept is simple, make a locavore restaurant that is to say, feeding visitors to the Parc des seasonal, local products from the short and fair trade circuit and so give meaning to the plate. On the menu : stuffed with market garden, mogettes, goat cheese and angelica. You won't find cooler!

You can also stop there to to make a break : taste a crepe, drink a local beer or quench your thirst with syrup elderberry or strawberry Made In Ornithological Park!

Restaurant plate the restological ornithological park the birds of the Poitevin marsh — Virginie Pegoraro

Have you ever said to yourself at a restaurant that you should have taken your neighbor's plate? Well, that’s what I try to avoid with my dishes: not to make you regret your choice!

David from the Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin”

Visit ornithological park with children — Audrey Moreau

Play and explore as a family

The Ornithological Park was designed for adults… and children! Several fun and educational games are available to you:

Momo the Flycatcher: Follow Momo the Flycatcher in the green labyrinth, he will help you understand the mysteries of migration.
Treasure hunts : 4 levels of games are offered depending on your age (accessible for ages 3-14). Hunt for clues and discover a mystery phrase. Reward at the key!
Animals in the park: Poitou donkey, goats, chickens, ducks, cats are just waiting for you for a caressing moment.
The playground : wooden games are available for self-service at the entrance to the Park
The projection room: a 20-minute film on the diversity of birds inhabiting the Marais Poitevin.

Become a keeper for a day at the Ornithological Park

Treat yourself to a privileged moment et go behind the scenes of the Ornithological Park. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, during the months of July and August, become an animal caregiver for a day! Follow the trainer and take part in the bird feeding, learn how care for an animal which has observe their behavior. The event takes place by reservation only because it takes place before opening to the public.