The Nature reserve
Just a 15 minute drive from Saint-Brieuc, the nature reserve protects the fauna and flora of the bay since 1998. It welcomes nature lovers and bird watchers all year round, Follow the coastal footpath or take the greenway cycling route to discover this ever-changing landscape.
Located at the bottom of the Saint-Brieuc bay, the national nature reserve is the largest in Brittany. This bird watching hotspot is located in the districts of Morieux, Hillion, Yffiniac, Langueux and Saint-Brieuc. It covers 4,4 square miles within a 5,5 mile shoreline. It is the ideal place for interesting nature walks.
No less than 40 000 birds from 112 species stop in the nature reserve each year. Brant geese, common shelducks, swans, herons, cormorants, great crested grebes or sanderlings are some of these visitors. It is a unforgettable and emotional experience to meet with them.
Walk in the nature reserve
The famous GR®34 customs officers footpath allows you to walk alongside the nature reserve. You will not get on its bad side because it does not have any. Westside is the Grèves et Prés walk in the Yffiniac cove and eastside, discover the Panoramas of the Nature Reserve walk, at the heart of the Hillion peninsula.
The largest Nature Reserve in Brittany
The heart of the nature reserve
The Maison de la Baie ecomuseum is located in the heart of the Saint-Brieuc bay nature reserve on a vantage point near the pointe du Grouin in Hillion. Discover the natural resources of the bay. You will be surprised about how rich and diverse it is and sensitised about its protection.Take part in one of the guided nature tours in the Saint-Brieuc bay. Some experienced guides will help you understand and explore the bay. Learn about the migrating birds, the insects, the planktons, the mussels...
La Maison de la Baie
Bird lovers
A migration crossroad
Winter is the birdwatching season in the nature reserve. For example, the Saint-Brieuc bay is in the top 5 French sites to obverse the eurasian oystercatcher during the winter with an average of around 3,000 visiting individuals.
The landscape is vibrant with colours. Purple orchids in the spring, mauve common sea-lavender in the summer and red salicornia in the fall.