Oléron Island has two nature conservation centres. These protected natural sites are open all year round and offer tours. Raising awareness towards nature and tradition is the main goal for the nature conservation centres.

Le Marais aux Oiseaux :

Open since 1983, "Le Marais aux Oiseaux" in Dolus aims to develop public awareness towards the local flora. It is home to 500 animals of 60 different species. This 74 acre site has a park where you can see both wild and domestic animals. There is also a rescue centre which cares for wild birds.

The discovery tour at the "Marais des Oiseaux" is one for the kids as they will get a chance to come close to various animals such as: goats, donkeys, sheeps..
Further up a path will lead you to a natural space where you can watch wild species : ducks, herons, egrets.
And there is an observatory offering a full panoramic view of the site. This is an ideal place to contemplate wild birds from.

Le Port des Salines:
Situated in Grand-Village, this site has a renovated traditional village and invites you to discover the salt pans.
It also includes local producers and craftmen, a salt storage attic, a small harbour where you can hire a rowing boat and salt pans of course! Find out everything about the magical white gold at the eco-museum and on the guided path.

The salt pan is at once a masterpiece and an elaborated organisation which closely controls the water levels and flow and the many basins evaporation.