Are you passionate about birdwatching? Make the most of your stay at the 5-star Grenettes campsite on Île de Ré to visit the Maison du Fier and the Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve.

What is the Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve?

Located in the northern part of Île de Ré, between Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, Ars-en-Ré, and Les Portes-en-Ré, the Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve is a protected natural area covering 120 hectares of salt marshes. Of great ecological importance, it is home to fragile wildlife and flora. Established in 1980, it serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds.

What to See at the Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve?

Throughout the year, about 300 bird species stop over in the reserve. In winter, it hosts nearly 50,000 birds such as the shelduck, Eurasian wigeon, brent goose, Eurasian curlew, Eurasian oystercatcher, dunlin, grey plover, and pied avocet. Spring, the nesting season, is for many the best time to visit the site. Birds build their nests and raise their young alongside the salt workers. Walking trails are dotted with interpretation panels and observation points, making the visit enjoyable and accessible to younger visitors. The Maison du Fier cultural center offers an opportunity to learn about the animals and their habitats. Marshes, dunes, forests: can you identify the environments where the animals you encounter live?

Opening Hours and Admission

The Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve is open from April to November, every day except Saturday morning:

  • April, May, and June: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
  • July and August: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
  • September: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
  • October 18 to November 2: Open every afternoon during school holidays from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM

The Maison du Fier is located at the old port of Les Portes-en-Ré. You can visit the reserve freely or join a group for a guided tour. The site offers thematic activities and workshops for both adults and children. It has parking facilities and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Entry fees for the Maison du Fier:

  • Adults: €5
  • Children over 5 years old, students, unemployed persons, or people with disabilities: €3
  • Children under 5 years old: Free
  • 1-hour guided tour for adults: €5
  • 1-hour guided tour for children over 5 years old, students, unemployed persons, or people with disabilities: €4
  • 2-hour guided tour for adults: €10
  • 2-hour guided tour for children over 5 years old, students, unemployed persons, or people with disabilities: €6
  • Family package for Maison du Fier entry: €13
  • Binocular rental: €2 (half-day)