Réserve naturelle nationale de Chérine, Nature reserve in Saint-Michel-en-Brenne, France
The reserve spans 394 hectares of diverse landscapes containing reed-fringed ponds, meadows, marshes, woods, and heathlands on a low-elevation plateau.
Created in 1985 to protect aquatic birds, the reserve expanded twice: first in 2011 to 370 hectares, then in December 2022 to its current size.
The reserve management integrates traditional activities such as hunting, fishing, and fish farming while maintaining strict environmental protection measures.
Multiple observation points throughout the reserve allow visitors to watch 788 documented species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
The reserve contains seven different habitat types and houses the European pond turtle population within its network of interconnected water bodies.
Location: Saint-Michel-en-Brenne
Inception: July 22, 1985
Part of: Brenne Regional Natural Park
GPS coordinates: 46.78694,1.18889
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:57
The Centre-Val de Loire showcases a diverse heritage, from medieval fortresses like Château de Lavardin to Renaissance structures. The region features protected natural sites such as the Chérine Nature Reserve and the Domaine du Ciran, which host hundreds of bird species in their ponds and woodlands. The Savonnières Pétrifiantes Caves illustrate local geological phenomena, while the Briare Canal Bridge demonstrates 19th-century engineering. This selection also includes historical and cultural sites, from the Dunois Mill preserving 17th-century mechanisms to the Marcel Proust Museum housed in an authentic residence. The Picassiette House in Chartres exhibits Raymond Isidore's unique work over several decades. The Parc Floral de la Source and the Saint-Ours Collegiate complete this exploration combining Gothic religious architecture with themed gardens, providing diverse discoveries accessible to visitors.
Brenne Regional Natural Park
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Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lureuil
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Église Saint-Étienne de Martizay
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Château de Bossay
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Prieuré de Notz-l'Abbé
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Église Saint-Hilaire
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