Parc écologique Izadia, espace naturel protégé à Anglet, France
Parc écologique Izadia is a nature reserve in Anglet on the French Basque coast, covering about 14 hectares with diverse habitats including river edge, beaches, and cork oak forests. A well-maintained 1.7 kilometer trail with ten observation stops winds through the site, allowing visitors to see how water, plants, and wildlife interact in these interconnected ecosystems.
The site received Natura 2000 protected status in February 2012 in recognition of its rare plant species and the animals dependent on these habitats. This designation reflects the area's ecological importance to the Basque coastal region and its role in preserving biodiversity.
The park's name reflects local Basque heritage and its deep connection to the region's natural environments. Walking through the trails, visitors experience how the local community has historically coexisted with these wetland and forest ecosystems.
The park operates from April through October and can be explored at your own pace or with a guide, with multilingual booklets available at the entrance. Wear closed shoes, bring plenty of water, and plan for sun protection during warmer months since shaded areas have been limited since a fire in 2020.
A wildfire in 2020 reshaped the landscape and continues to drive ecosystem recovery efforts visible today. This event highlights how these natural spaces recover from major disturbances and underscores the ongoing importance of protection and management.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
