Crédits : Valentine Vernouillet. Translation: Jigisha Leclerc. Pictures: Jean-Philippe Bellon, R. Valerio
Discovery
In this little paradise nestled in the heart of the Bassin d'Arcachon, time seems to stand still. Between sky and sea, Île aux Oiseaux, a protected natural site, hosts an extraordinary biodiversity across nearly 3 km2, showcasing a remarkable variety of birdlife. Throughout the year, it serves as a sanctuary for hundreds of birds that come to nest or rest after long journeys. No fewer than 250 species, whether nesting, migrating, or wintering, make their home here, with populations ranging from 300,000 to 400,000 during resting or wintering periods.
Season after season, herons, egrets, cormorants, spoonbills, ducks, and other wild birds flock here, providing a stunning aerial display for locals and visitors alike. This vibrant colony naturally lent its name to the island. Beyond the birds, there's the discovery of unique flora. Rich in wetlands, the area is abundant in halophytes, plants adapted to saline environments, such as glasswort, eelgrass, and pickleweed. Rare and delicate, they provide a vital habitat for the healthy development and maintenance of the marine ecosystem. Whether by boat or wading in the water, various routes offer a chance to explore every corner of this heavenly half-land, half-water locale where nature unfolds in all its glory.
To discover Île aux Oiseaux, several options are available. Board a pinasse, a typical boat of the Bassin d'Arcachon, a sailboat, or a private catamaran, and go with the flow of the waves. A pure getaway, filled with silence and captivated by the surrounding wonders. The adventurous ones can approach the lagoon by kayak or paddleboard to get even closer. As the water and tides shift, the island reveals its best-kept secrets. Scattered in every corner, about fifty wooden cabins, some serving as seasonal residences, add to the charm. Only two stand out, proudly erected above the water, namely the famous “cabanes tchanquées,” from the Gascon “chancas” meaning “stilts.” Originally, these stilt houses sheltered the guardians of oyster parks, day and night. The very first was built in 1883 by the oysterman Martin Pivert. After succumbing to the whims of weather and nature 60 years later, a new cabin was built by René Landry, a carpenter from Arcachon, in 1945. Brown with red shutters, it still bears the number 3. Then in 1948, Hubert Longau, deputy mayor of La Teste-de-Buch, built the iconic cabin 53 with white shutters. Like the Dune of Pilat, they have become a symbol of the Bassin d'Arcachon and continue to fascinate onlookers.
These natural treasures are not only reachable by water but can also be explored on foot at low tide. Imagine walking barefoot through the mud to reach them. Once there, vast expanses of sandbanks and salt marshes unfold, stretching endlessly into the horizon, presenting a breathtaking view. It's a visual delight, but also a treat for the taste buds! A visit to the Cap Ferret peninsula is incomplete without a tour of its sprawling 100 hectares of oyster parks. Here, you can indulge in the local flavors, sampling freshly harvested oysters.
Perched at the heart of Les Sources de Caudalie, the Signature Suite “Île aux Oiseaux” draws inspiration from the “cabanes tchanquées” to offer total immersion in nature. Designed and styled by Lebanese stylist and couturier Rabih Kayrouz, this room unveils a cocoon of comfort. Dressed in pristine white, it is designed as a bright and welcoming single living space. Here and there, bucolic and oriental accents, like the handcrafted objects signed by Lina Audi, creator of Liwan, enhance this endlessly rejuvenating decor. An elegant and romantic haven, ideal for an unforgettable couple's getaway.
