Today, we're taking you to discover the Orx Marsh Nature Reserve, in Labenne, in the Southern Landes. This protected natural area is a true biodiversity gem and an ornithological sanctuary for thousands of waterfowl from the north.
Note, a "green tourism zone"!
In the Southern Landes, 40 km as the crow flies from Le Saint Martin campsite, the Orx Marsh is the last wetland before the Pyrenees. Located north of Bayonne and set back from the Atlantic Ocean, it extends over more than a thousand hectares across the municipalities of Labenne, Orx, and Saint-André-de-Seignanx. Integrated into the European Natura 2000 network, the Orx Marsh is a must-visit for ornithology enthusiasts. The site welcomes nearly 30,000 visitors each year.
Visit to the Orx Reserve
The Orx Marsh Nature Reserve can only be explored on foot, along an interpretive trail dotted with explanatory panels and observation posts. Throughout the year, a public activity program provides a comprehensive understanding of the site.
To delve deeper into your nature discovery, we recommend participating in a guided tour with a reserve ranger. As a true biodiversity enthusiast, he shares his knowledge of local flora and fauna, the specific characteristics of each species, and their role in the marsh ecosystem.
During the walk, you can discover and observe many bird species through a spotting scope, including the famous White Spoonbill, the emblem of the Orx Marsh. The reserve is also a regular stop for the Black-winged Kite (a small grey and white raptor), the Black-tailed Godwit, and the Common Crane. Throughout the seasons, visitors can discover nearly 250 bird species in total, 170 of which are considered rare, vulnerable, or endangered.
Other terrestrial and aquatic species are also abundant. Small mammals such as otters, genets, and wild rabbits, but also reptiles and amphibians like the tree frog and the ocellated lizard. But the star of the Orx Marsh is the Cistude, a small aquatic turtle protected in France and Europe. You need to be discreet to observe it on flat stones or tree trunks emerging from the water. European Pond Turtles bask in the sun for extended periods to reach an optimal body temperature according to their needs.
Practical Information: the "discovery circuit" is freely accessible and free of charge (6 km round trip), starting from the Maison du Marais. Guided tour price (half-day): €7.50 / adults, €3.50 / children (6 to 16 years old), free for children under 6. Address: 1005 route du Marais, 40530 Labenne, Tel: 05 59 45 42 46. More info on the official Orx Marsh website.
A little history...
Until the end of the Middle Ages, the Orx Marsh was merely a vast swampy wetland. Drained under Napoleon III, the marsh was transformed into a polder for agricultural purposes, fishing, hunting, and grazing. The last farm ceased its agricultural activity in the 1980s due to lack of profitability. The marsh was purchased in 1989 by the Conservatoire du littoral, with financial assistance from the WWF. The site underwent significant re-naturalization and wetland restoration work. The presence and passage of a large number of migratory birds led to the site's classification as a National Nature Reserve on February 11, 1995.
