Réserve naturelle nationale du marais d'Orx

The Réserve naturelle nationale du marais d'Orx is one of the last large protected wetlands remaining along the Aquitaine coastline, located in the Landes department across the communes of Labenne, Orx, Saint-André-de-Seignanx and Saubrigues. The site covers close to 1,000 hectares in total, of which 774 hectares hold formal nature reserve status and are included in the European Natura 2000 network because of their outstanding ornithological value.

How did this wetland come to exist?

The marsh has a complicated water history. It was drained during the reign of Napoleon III for agricultural use, turning it into a polder crisscrossed by drainage canals. It wasn't until the late 20th century that the land began returning to a more natural wetland state: the Conservatoire du littoral, the French coastal protection body, acquired the site in 1989, and it was designated a national nature reserve in 1995. Since 2004, day-to-day management has been handled by a joint syndicate responsible for natural environments across the Landes department.

What is there to see?

The landscape of the Marais d'Orx is a mosaic of different wetland habitats: open water bodies, willow groves, reed beds, wet meadows and rush stands. This variety of habitats makes the reserve especially attractive to water and wading birds. Species recorded on site include the spoonbill, osprey and curlew, among a wide range of other water birds. The reserve also plays an important role as a wintering site for wildfowl, with geese in particular relying on the marsh for shelter and food during the colder months.

Why visit the Marais d'Orx?

For anyone interested in birdwatching and coastal wetland ecosystems, the Marais d'Orx offers a rare, well-preserved glimpse of the kind of habitat that once stretched along much of the Aquitaine shoreline. Its national reserve status and inclusion in the Natura 2000 network reflect its importance on a European scale, and its proximity to well-known Landes seaside towns such as Labenne makes it an easy destination to combine with a coastal trip.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the reserve located? In the southwest of the Landes department, across the communes of Labenne, Orx, Saint-André-de-Seignanx and Saubrigues, close to the Atlantic coast.

How large is the reserve? The overall site spans nearly 1,000 hectares, with 774 hectares formally classified as a nature reserve.

Since when has the site been protected? The Conservatoire du littoral has owned the land since 1989, and it was designated a national nature reserve in 1995.

Which birds can be seen there? The reserve is known for its water and wading birds, including species such as osprey and curlew, and it serves as an important wintering site for migratory geese and other waterfowl.

Who manages the reserve today? Since 2004, management has been carried out by a joint syndicate in charge of natural environments across the Landes department.