For families travelling to France by car, the best way to get the kids into the outdoor activities is a visit to Marquenterre - bird reserve in the Bay of Somme, host to around 350 species of birds and animals.
Marquenterre bird resere: a family day out in the open air
Nature-loving families will love exploring le Parc du Marquenterre bird reserve wander around the 200 hectare park of dunes, marshes and meadows. Revel in the privilege of watching the many birds which have migrated there naturally – there are no cages in the park and some birds return year after year.
Go bird-watching
Explore the three well-marked trails within the park together as a family - they range from a 45-minute walk to a two hour-plus ramble. Enthusiastic guides, passionate about birds are on hand to share their knowledge and help your family immerse themselves in the experience. Some guides speak English – call ahead to book one if you want to be sure to have one! Experience the hides along the trail if you want a longer look at a particular bird - or simply stroll along the paths enjoying the wildlife as you go. You can borrow binoculars from reception, or try out the guides’ powerful telescopes to get up close and personal with the birds without disturbing them at all.
Marqueterre bird reserve: a spot rare species
If you visit in spring, look out for the 80 pairs of the rare spoonbills in the park with distinctive spatula-shaped beaks – there are only around 500 pairs in France. You’ll also see birds such as avocets (the bird on the RPSB symbol in the UK), oystercatchers, white stork, egrets, herons, black-winged stilts, black-tailed godwits and night herons.
Meet baby birds – a treat for your kids!
