Le Parc Ornithologique "Les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin"

Between Niort and La Rochellein the heart of the Poitevin Marshes wild à Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, come and discover the Ornithological Park "Les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin. A unique and exciting place for birdwatchers and nature lovers which offers the opportunity to discover the fauna and flora up close of this region classified as a regional nature park.

Discovering the fauna and flora of the Marais Poitevin

The Ornithological Park "Les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin is a real sanctuary for birds. It is home to more than 75 species spread over 8 hectares to discover during a bucolic stroll. Among the most popular species are herons, mallards, geese, swans, cranes and ibises.

The Park is divided into several thematic zones, each dedicated to a bird species or an aspect of the fauna and flora of the Marais Poitevin. Visitors can explore these areas on foot or by boat, you will be able to see the animals in their natural habitat. From hiking trails also allow visitors to discover the park's most remote natural environments, immersing themselves in the dense vegetation and picturesque landscapes of the Marais Poitevin.

Whether you are with your family, your partner, your friends or even alone, "The Birds of the Marais Poitevin" offer a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From workshops and courses are organised throughout the season but also games for children, allowing for discover the biodiversity of the Marais Poitevin in an entertaining way. If we were to give you any advice, it would be to allow a full day to visit the Park, there is so much to discover!

the bird park,
jetty for a boat trip or by canoe,
the projection room,
the locavore restaurant (restological) "From seed to plate",
a souvenir shop,
of workshops and courses (photography course, workshop for a day...).

Cigogne blanche au parc ornithologique les oiseaux du marais poitevin — The Ornithological Park "Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin

Bernache à cou roux au parc ornithologique les oiseaux du marais poitevin — The Ornithological Park "Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin

The Bird Park Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin

In the family

The Ornithological Park "Les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin" is the ideal place to come and spend some family time in the fresh air.

Did you know that?

The Ornithological Park "Les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin was born out of a child's dream became a reality for Francis, owner of the Park. Today, the Park has become a family affair since his wife, Nathalie and his son, David are also part of the adventure!

Balade en barque au parc ornithologique les oiseaux du marais potievin — Virginie Pegoraro

A discovery by boat

And if you continue your visit on the water after walking around the park? 2 options are available to you: you can go it alone with the help of oars and a detailed map venture into this water labyrinth or go with a boat 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 water!

bird park pier

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

Hélèna

Restaurant "From seed to plate"

It was in 2015 that the "From seed to plate" restology" opened its doors under the impulse of David, son of the owners. The concept is simple, to make a locavore restaurant that is making visitors to the park eat seasonal, local, short circuit and fair trade products and thus to give meaning to the plate. On the menu: farcis maraîchin, mogettes, goat cheese and angelica. You won't find fresher!

You can also stop by to take a break : enjoy a crepe, drinking a local beer or quench your thirst with the syrup elderberry or strawberry Made in Ornithological Park!

Assiette restaurant le restologique parc ornithologique les oiseaux du marais poitevin — Virginie Pegoraro

Have you ever thought in a restaurant that you should have taken your neighbour's plate? Well, that's what I try to avoid with my dishes: not to make you regret your choice!

David of the Ornithological Park "Les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin" (Birds of the Poitevin Marsh)

Visite parc ornithologique avec les enfants — Audrey Moreau

Playing and exploring with the family

The Ornithological Park has been designed for adults... and children! Several fun and educational games are available:

Momo the Flycatcher : Follow Momo the Flycatcher through the green labyrinth, he will help you understand the mysteries of migration.
Trail games : 4 levels of games are offered according to your age (accessible for 3-14 year olds). Go in search of clues and discover a mystery sentence. Reward at the end!
Animals in the park : baudet du Poitou, goats, chickens, ducks and cats are waiting for you to caress them.
The playground : wooden games are available for free at the entrance to the park
The projection room : a 20-minute film on the diversity of birds in the Marais Poitevin.

Become a caretaker for a day at the Ornithological Park

Treat yourself to a privileged moment and go behind the scenes of the Ornithological Park. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning during July and August, become an animal caretaker for a day! Follow the host and take part in the bird feeding, learn how to caring for an animal but also observe their behaviour. The event is by reservation only as it takes place before the opening to the public.