Réserve naturelle nationale de Lilleau des Niges, National nature reserve in Les Portes-en-Ré, France.
This nature reserve on the northern coast of Île de Ré includes salt marshes, sandy shores, and coastal pools spread across a large protected area. The mix of different habitats supports diverse animal life throughout the seasons.
The reserve was established in 1980 from former salt production areas that had been worked for generations. This transformation shows how abandoned industrial lands can become refuge for wild nature.
The visitor center occupies a former salt storage building and displays exhibits about the birds and natural life of the island. Here you discover which species pass through and how human activity shaped this landscape over time.
You can walk through the reserve on a path roughly 2 kilometers long that runs along its southern edge with good viewing spots. Guided tours are available to help you identify bird species and learn how to observe them properly.
This location serves as a crucial stopover for migrating birds traveling between northern and southern Europe, especially in spring and fall. Observers can spot thousands of birds from many different species on a single day here.
Location: Les Portes-en-Ré
Inception: 1980
Website: http://ile-de-re.lpo.fr
GPS coordinates: 46.23139,-1.50611
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
The Île de Ré reveals preserved sites beyond its main destinations. The salt marshes of Loix and the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve host more than 300 species of migratory birds, while the Baleines Lighthouse offers a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches such as Trousse Chemise and Les Grenettes are characterized by their natural dunes and conditions suitable for water sports. The Fier d'Ars Port maintains its traditional fishing activity with boats and houses with green shutters. The Salt Eco-museum traces the history of salt harvesting and the work of salt workers in the marshes. The Baleines Farm combines agricultural production with shellfish farming near the coast. Villages like Loix offer traditional shops and exhibitions on local customs. These sites reflect the maritime heritage and traditions shaping the island's identity for generations.
Phare des Baleines
4.5 km
Église Saint-Étienne d'Ars-en-Ré
2.7 km
Phare des Baleineaux
7.2 km
Écomusée du Marais Salant
3.9 km
Loix tide mill
5.4 km
Saint Catherine Church of Loix
5.1 km
Maison du Fier
1 km
Couvent des Sœurs de la Sagesse
5.3 km
Manoir d'Ars-en-Ré
2.8 km
Raffinerie à sel d'Ars-en-Ré
2.4 km
Camping Île de Ré
2.2 km
Plage du Petit Bec
2.7 km
Plage de Trousse Chemise
2.4 km
La Ferme des Baleines
1.8 km
Église Saint-Clément de Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
2.9 km
Plage de la Conche des Baleines
3.1 km
Vieux Phare des Baleines
4.5 km
Fort de Grouin
7.3 km
Kora-Karola Battery
2.6 km
Plage Gros Jonc
2.7 km
Church of the Portes-en-Ré
2.1 km
Golf de Trousse-Chemise
1.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Flux-et-des-Reflux des Portes-en-Ré
2.5 km
Marais du Fier d'Ars
2.8 km
Plage du Grand Marchais
3 km
Plage de l'Anse du Fourneau
2.3 km
Plage de la Loge
2.5 km
Carrousel Park
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