Réserve Écologique des Barails
Réserve Écologique des Barails is a large green space north of Bordeaux covering about 156 hectares with woodlands, meadows, wetlands and water bodies. The site is divided into distinct zones including a central park with a reproduction of a Pyrenean stream complete with rocks and plants, a wooded area crisscrossed by trails, and open pastures where Bordeaux cattle and sheep graze.
The site was originally developed in 1992 as a floral park showcasing roses, peonies and other flowering plants along with an extensive vine collection. It was then transformed into an ecological reserve in 2018, with traditional landscape elements like wetlands and pastures restored to protect rare species including the European kingfisher and European pond turtle.
The name derives from the word barail, which describes cultivated meadows that blend agricultural heritage with natural landscapes. This reflects how the area has long balanced human activity with wild spaces, creating a harmony between farming traditions and nature conservation.
The reserve is accessible by tram line C at the Parc des expositions - Stade stop or by bicycle along dedicated cycling paths near the velodrome. Multiple entrances serve the northern and southern ends, with the southern entrance sometimes closed during major stadium events.
The reserve is home to the Alpine longhorn beetle, a rare and protected insect that requires close observation to spot. Additionally, Bordeaux cattle, an endangered local breed, graze the pastures, highlighting the reserve's commitment to preserving rare livestock breeds as part of its conservation mission.
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