All about Île aux Oiseaux

Located in the center of the Bassin d’Arcachon, this island belongs to the commune of La Teste-de-Buch. Its main characteristic is its changing landscape. Its surface area changes with the tides, from around 260 hectares at high tide to over 1700 hectares at low tide. This perpetual movement reveals mudflats and salt meadows, a giant larder for avifauna.

Classified as a natural site since 2008 and part of the Parc Naturel Marin du Bassin d’Arcachon, the island is a sanctuary for biodiversity. It is also recognized as a Natural Zone of Ecological, Floristic and Faunistic Interest (ZNIEFF).¹.

More than 150 species of birds can be observed here throughout the year, including breeders, migrants and overwinterers. Among them, the Blackbird is a flagship species, whilethe Brent Goose spends the winter here, feeding on the eelgrass beds.

The two silhouettes on stilts silhouetted against the horizon are the famous cabanes tchanquées. The word “tchanqué” comes from the Gascon “chancas”, meaning “mounted on stilts”. Their history is linked to that of oyster farming.

The very first hut was built in 1883 by oyster farmer Martin Pivert to watch over his oyster beds from the air. Weakened by salt water, it was swept away by a storm in 1943, but its pillars are still visible at very low tide. The two current huts, of the 53 onÎle aux Oiseaux, were built after the war:

• Cabin n°51, with red shutters, built in 1945.
• Cabin no. 53, with white shutters, built in 1948.

These buildings are not inhabited year-round and have no running water or electricity, thus preserving their authentic character.

For conservation reasons, it is forbidden to disembark on the island without authorization. Discovery is therefore exclusively by water. A boat trip is the best way to approach this protected site.

The route takes you up close to the “cabanes tchanquées”, past the oyster beds, and allows you to observe the ballet of the birds.

Our tip: choose a trip at high tide, when boats can get closer to the huts.

There are a number of ways to get out on the water.

• Commented boat trips: ideal for first-time visitors. Operators such as the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais (UBA) offer complete tours with anecdotes about local history.
• Traditional pinasse excursions: for a more intimate experience, come aboard one of these typical boats of the basin, often in small groups.
• Sea kayaking: the more athletic can opt for a kayak outing, to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. This activity is highly tide-dependent and requires a good level of practice.

To help you plan your visit to theÎle aux Oiseaux in Gironde, here’s a summary of the most common ways to get there. Departures are mainly from the Thiers jetty in Arcachon and the Bélisaire jetty in Cap Ferret. Don’t forget to book, especially during the summer months.

After a day on the water admiring theIle aux Oiseaux, you’ll appreciate the comfort and tranquility of your pitch or mobile home in our 4-star campsite near the Gironde. It’s the perfect starting point for your escapades between Landes and Bassin d’Arcachon!