Domaine De Certes Et De Graveyron, Protected natural area along Arcachon Bay, France.
Domaine de Certes et de Graveyron is a protected area along Arcachon Bay with wetlands, salt meadows, and fish farming ponds. Water flows through a network of basins connected by sluice gates that manage the water levels.
The estate was created in the second half of the 18th century as a salt production site under Marquis de Civrac. In 1843 it transformed into a fish farming operation that completely changed how the land was used.
The estate takes its name from former proprietors and is now valued locally as a stopover for migratory birds that arrive with the seasons. Residents and visitors associate this place with nature watching and the protection of wetland habitats.
Two marked trails guide visitors through the area: a longer loop around Certes and a shorter one around Graveyron, each starting from different points. Wear sturdy shoes and pay attention to tidal times, as water levels can affect access to certain parts of the site.
The site hosts hundreds of bird species, including rare regional types that arrive and depart with the seasons. This constant turnover makes it a dynamic place where the rhythm of nature is always visible.
Location: Gironde
GPS coordinates: 44.69235,-1.02219
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:09
The Bassin d'Arcachon covers 155 square kilometers along the French Atlantic coast and offers numerous subjects for photography. The Dune du Pilat rises 110 meters above sea level and forms the tallest sand dune in Europe. Oyster farming villages such as Gujan-Mestras, L'Herbe, and Le Canon display wooden huts on stilts distributed along the shores. The Cap Ferret peninsula separates the basin from the Atlantic and presents long sandy beaches on both sides. The Cap Ferret lighthouse from 1947 reaches a height of 53 meters. The Île aux Oiseaux sits in the center of the basin and hosts two traditional stilt cabins, the Cabanes Tchanquées, which are surrounded by water at high tide. The town of Arcachon displays 19th-century villas in the Ville d'Hiver, a district with over 300 buildings in Belle Époque style. The Domaine de Certes et Graveyron nature reserve includes former salt marshes and fish ponds now inhabited by herons, spoonbills, and other water birds. The beaches of Pereire and Pyla-sur-Mer provide direct views of the basin and nearby pine forests.
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