Réserve naturelle nationale des prés salés d'Arès et de Lège-Cap Ferret

The National Nature Reserve of the Salt Meadows of Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret protects one of the largest expanses of salt marsh on the Atlantic coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It lies within the municipalities of Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret, in the Gironde department, on the northern edge of the Arcachon Basin.

Where exactly is it located?

The reserve stretches along the eastern shore of the Arcachon Basin, at the point where dry land gradually gives way to tidal flats. This transitional position between land and sea defines the whole character of the place: the reserve sits under the combined influence of salt water pushed in by the tides and fresh water flowing down from the lakes of the Médoc region through a canal connecting the ponds to the basin.

When was the reserve created, and why?

It was established by decree on 7 September 1983. The decision responded to a clear need: to protect the rich plant life of the salt meadows at a time when the area was under growing pressure from coastal development. Salt meadows are a rare and fragile habitat — the plants that grow there have adapted specifically to periodic flooding by salt water, which makes the ecosystem highly specialised and difficult to replace once lost.

How large is the protected area?

The reserve covers roughly 330 hectares, of which nearly 200 hectares are salt meadows themselves, making it one of the largest protected sites of this kind in the whole of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. About 85 percent of the land belongs to the Conservatoire du littoral, the French institution responsible for coastal conservation, while the remainder is owned by the municipality of Lège-Cap-Ferret.

Who manages the reserve?

Day-to-day management is handled by the Arpège association, working alongside the local authorities of Arès and Lège-Cap-Ferret. This arrangement combines scientific conservation practice with local knowledge of the terrain and its history.

Can visitors explore the reserve?

Yes, the site is open to the public free of charge. A network of marked trails forms a loop of around 9 kilometres, taking visitors through several distinct habitat zones — from drier ground closer to the mainland, through belts of salt-tolerant vegetation, to areas that are regularly flooded by the tide. Walking the full loop is a good way to appreciate a landscape that can look flat and uniform at first glance but actually contains a surprising number of microhabitats.

Why is it worth visiting?

This is a destination for travellers who value quiet nature over conventional tourist attractions. The open spaces of the salt meadows, the closeness of the water, and the particular quality of light typical of this kind of terrain draw birdwatchers, landscape photographers, and anyone looking for calm away from the busier beaches of the Arcachon Basin. It is worth bringing binoculars and sturdy footwear, since parts of the path can be damp, especially after high tide.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the reserve free? Yes, visiting is free of charge.

How long is the walking trail? The marked loop is approximately 9 kilometres long.

When was the reserve created? It was established by decree on 7 September 1983.

How big is the reserve? About 330 hectares, including nearly 200 hectares of salt meadows.