Île aux Oiseaux, Natural bird sanctuary island in La Teste-de-Buch, France.
Île aux Oiseaux is an island in the Arcachon Basin made up of wetlands and shallow coastal areas. It holds several traditional wooden huts and serves as a protected zone for bird populations and other wildlife.
The island developed into an oyster farming center in the 1800s under Napoleon III and shaped the region's economy. This maritime tradition has defined the island and its inhabitants to this day.
The traditional wooden stilt huts, called Cabanes Tchanquées, shape the island's character and tell the story of fishing and waterside living in the Arcachon Basin. They stand as reminders of a way of life that has endured for generations.
The island is reached by boat from La Teste-de-Buch, with regular services running especially in summer months. The best time to visit is at low tide, when more of the landscape becomes visible.
The island's appearance changes dramatically with tidal movements, with visible surface area varying greatly between high and low tide. This constant transformation makes each visit a different experience.
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