Réserve naturelle régionale du polder de Sébastopol, Regional nature reserve in Barbâtre, France
The Sébastopol Polder Reserve is a protected wetland next to Noirmoutier Island with alternating water and land areas. The area forms a long, narrow strip where different habitats for plants and animals exist side by side.
Dutch engineers created the polder in the 1850s using traditional techniques brought by the Jacobsen family. A major dike failure in 1978 destroyed the original structure, leading to restoration work that transformed the area into a nature reserve.
The name reflects the Battle of Sebastopol, a distant historical event that gave this French polder its identity. You will notice how this connection to 19th-century history shapes the local sense of place and memory.
The best way to explore the area is on foot using designated paths that connect viewing points throughout the reserve. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for changing weather, as the terrain is open and can be windy.
Part of the area serves as a major breeding site where water birds gather in large colonies to nest. This congregation of nesting birds makes it a special destination for birdwatchers during spring and early summer months.
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