Réserve naturelle nationale de saint-denis-du-payré

"A guided tour of the Nature Reserve on a chilly January afternoon - starting with watching a video about the type of birds that can be seen throughout the year at the Reserve, followed by a quick drive to the parking and a 400m walk along a wooden walkway to the large, well equipped bird hide. There are 18 sets of binoculars that look out across the reserve, so everyone gets to see the wildlife. Inside the hide, there is a large information board listing all of the recent sightings - so you know what to look out for. In winter you can see the cranes at sunset or sunrise. Top Tip: check the website for opening hours, as the reserv is not always open! The reserve is suitable for wheelchair users."

"Looks amazing, but access is limited to a tour only guide ( 2 hour session). The ticket (5€ adult, family 17€) has to be purchased in the local village a couple of Km away. Seems a restrictive practice in order to enjoy the wild life. However just stopping by the entrance and you will see Storks, little egrets, cattle egrets, black kites, kestrel, zitting cisticola, etc. Shame as it looked very interesting."

"It was closed. Didn’t say it was closed in the website. Travelled over 100kilometres to get there. Gate was locked and no access"

"Montagues and marsh harriers, stork, spoonbill, egrets, bw stilts, avocet.. Helpful guide and hide great with miunted scopes"

"Observatoire très agréable pour découvrir les oiseaux, pas besoin de matériel, tout est sur place. On est bien accueilli et je vous recommande d’y aller l’hiver pour les grues et les oiseaux d’eau hivernants. Pensez à regarder les horaires et la visite est payante"