Réserve naturelle nationale des marais de Séné, National nature reserve in Séné, France
The Réserve naturelle nationale des marais de Séné is a protected coastal wetland south of Vannes featuring mudflats, salt meadows, lagoons, and grasslands in a mix of water, grass, and mud. The area provides different habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife within a natural landscape shaped by daily tides.
The area served as a salt production site from the 18th century when cathedral officials obtained permits to build salt marshes for commercial use. Production ceased during the French Revolution period, and the marshes eventually became protected as a nature reserve.
The salt meadows and coastal lagoons are valued locally as places to watch migratory birds and experience how the landscape changes with the tides. The site reflects a long human connection to this tidal environment that remains visible in how people today use and protect it.
The reserve can be explored on marked paths that wind through different habitats and offer changing views of the landscape. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for soft or muddy ground, especially when walking closer to the water's edge.
The marshes serve as a crucial stopover point for shorebirds and seabirds traveling between northern and southern Europe during their annual migrations. This makes it a favored destination for birdwatchers from across the region who come to observe the seasonal movements of flocks.
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