Are you planning to stay away from the magnificent Arcachon Basin? So enjoy it to visit the Island of the Birds!
Located in the Bassin d’Arcachon but belonging to the commune of La Teste-de-Buch, Île aux Oiseau is a true wonder. It attracts many holidaymakers but also locals who love to visit the Island of the Birds. It must be said that this place is quite atypical: in the middle of a large basin, itself uninhabitable but rich in surprises. It is called the Island of the Birds in relation to the high density of ornithological fauna. Indeed, many species also visit the island. Migrators, nesting or wintering, you risk crossing the beautiful world!
History of Bird Island
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jean-Philippe Navarro
This pile of earth and sand has always existed within the Basin of Arcachon. The island extends over nearly 300 hectares... to high tide. When the water withdraws from the basin, it then spreads over 3000 hectares!
In the past, the inhabitants were grazing their cattle or their horses. Point of boats or rafts to get there, the animals were simply swimming from the shores of the continent. Then, over time, Isle aux Oiseaux becomes a refuge for the birds who came to seek peace.
Today, there are about 50 “Thanked houses” rising from the surface. The houses are these small, iconic dwellings, placed on wooden pilots. Without running water or electricity, only a few of them are inhabited almost all year round, the rest being for holidaymakers or short summer stays.
Our tips to visit the Island of Birds
The best season
Like many tourist sites, the summer season is surely the most suitable for visiting the Island of the Birds. However, it is also the period of the strongest affluence, and it might spoil your pleasure.
So we advise you to go to the island in spring ( March or April ) or in the fall ( September or October ). The Bassin d’Arcachon enjoys a very favorable climate despite its ocean exposure.
Protected and inhabited area
Please note that visiting Bird Island requires certain rules to be respected. Indeed, it is a protected area, a natural site registered in France since 2008. It is therefore necessary to ensure the tranquility of the species, animal or plant, that you will cross.
Also, don't get too close to the shacky houses. These are private properties, and some of them are, let’s recall, inhabited almost all year round.
What to do during your visit?
Photo credit: Facebook – Ile aux Oiseaux
Make a guided boat ride
There are guided boat rides that make a great tour of the island. It is an effective way to learn more about the location and the surrounding area. Depending on your location, you can even opt for a stopover: in Arcachon if you leave Cap Ferret, and in Cap Ferret if you leave Arcachon.
For about 2h , go to discover the history of the Island of the Birds and learn more about what it is today, in the eyes of the locals as holidaymakers.
Visit Island to Birds on foot
If you have a pleasure boat, you can go anchor at the edge of the island and visit it on foot. Therefore enter into these fragile and sheltered lands, preserved in a natural setting, far from any nuisance. Take the time to lose yourself, to observe the fauna, flora, and the colorful waters of the island.
You can even more easily approach the shacks squeaked from the moment you respect their privacy, you should not disturb their inhabitants.
Discover Bird Island in ULM
Nothing like discovering a place from the sky! Indeed, it allows you to take high and see things that you would not otherwise have seen. This is what 3 Axes Service Loisirs offers. The ULM flight lasts near 30min and costs 75€ .
Then watch the sandy lands of the Island of Birds, its fauna and flora, the shacks and the ostreiculties at work. A very original way to visit the Île aux Oiseaux!
Touring the island by canoeing or kayaking
For the most athletic, you can choose to rent a canoe or kayak to visit the Island of the Birds from the water. And at your own pace!
Of course, let us advise you to do this activity to high tide ... Don’t forget that the Island of Birds is ten times larger to low tide. If you want to enjoy it, watch the tides. This option will allow you, if you wish, to approach the shore, and continue on foot.
Overflight Island in Helicopter
The most completed scholarships can also choose to fly over the Island of the Birds, but this time, by helicopter. During 12min, 20min or 30min , discover the island from the sky. This privileged point of view will allow you to observe incredible things: wild nature, ostreiculteurs, shacks tchanques...
For the longest flights, you will have the chance to fly over the surroundings of the Island of the Birds: Dune of the Pilat, Arcachon, or the Ornithological Park of the Teich.
Cruise around the island
To enjoy a little more of the Island of Birds, and why not, falling for her, as a French singer would say, opt for the private cruise. On a semi-rigid boat, and in all the privacy possible, enjoy a privileged moment with your half, friends or family.
Then go to discover the island, guided by your captain’s comments. From the waters, observe all the nature that extends in front of you, between houses and sandy greenery.
Rent a boat and sail along the Île aux Oiseaux
Do you have a boat permit? Then rent a boat and head to the centre of the Arcachon Basin to visit the Oiseaux Island. Tick anchor, and let yourself be charmed by the beauty and calmness of the places. If, on the other hand, you do not have this permit, there are models that do not require the detention of a permit. That said, it costs more in renters.
Make sure you’ll find out, and especially, if necessary, don’t forget your papers!
How much does a ticket cost to the Island of Birds?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arcachonphoto.com
Many providers offer tickets to visit the Island of Birds. The rates will depend on the option you choose: by boat, by foot, by kayak or by helicopter... The Island of Birds is visited in a thousand ways. The most common, this said, is the guided tour by boat.
Rates for a single non-stop visit (2 hours):
- 17€ for adults ;
- 12€ children under 12 years ;
- 3€ children less than 3 years ;
- Free for babies less than one year.
Rates for tours with stopover (2 hours):
- 23€ for adults ;
- 16€ children under 12 years ;
- 3€ children less than 3 years ;
- Free for babies less than one year.
Rate for a private boat ride (1 hour):
- Package 160€ for 12 passengers (€13.33 per person)
Rates for a private cruise with champagne (1 hour):
- 195€ for two people
- 17,50€ per additional person
How do I book a ticket for the Island of Birds online?
Most of the providers to visit Isle aux Oiseaux have a website with online booking. You just have to choose your preferred option. The tour operators allow you to book its online package including, for example, a way of locomotion and visit with a private guide. Depending on the options selected, prices vary between 60€ and 150€ the day .
How do I access the Island of Birds?
By car
Before you arrive on the Island of the Oiseaux, you must first pass through Arcachon, Cape Ferret, or another of the few cities present on the banks of the basin. The nearest major metropolis is Bordeaux.
- From Bordeaux, follow the A63 and take the exit of the A660 direction Arcachon.
- From the south, take the A63 from Bayonne or the A62 from Toulouse.
- If you come from the north, follow the A83 and the A10 from Nantes, the A10 since Paris, and the A89 since Lyon.
Then, to access the Island of the Birds, rent your own boat , or opt for one of the accompanied excursions mentioned above.
By train
The station of Arcachon is located in the city centre, but most of the trains that join it first transit through Bordeaux. Since France is extremely well served by rail, you will have no difficulty in joining Bordeaux and taking a TER towards Arcachon. Then the city itself has a good bus and shuttle network.
Where to stay near the Bird Island?
The Bassin d’Arcachon is big enough to touch several cities: Arcachon, Gujan-Mestras, Biganos, Andernos-les-Bains or the Cap-Ferret ... So it is easy for you to find a place nearby. Hotels , guest rooms, AirBnB or campsites , there will necessarily be something that suits your stay.
And for all the prizes, for in spite of all, the reputation of this region precedes it. Otherwise, if you want to get away a little bit, there is obviously Bordeaux northeast, and Biscarosse south. These two cities will piment your stay.
So, what do you expect to visit the Island of Birds?
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