Nature activities and protected natural areas
We are fortunate to be located in a very natural and protected area, in the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan Regional Natural Park , in southern Brittany.
Our cottage offers an ideal setting for a nature holiday , conducive to peace and quiet, wildlife observation and the discovery of remarkable natural areas.
In our park and the surrounding area, you can observe many birds, squirrels, and perhaps even a deer will pay you a visit.
Here are some ideas for nature outings and protected natural sites to discover during your stay in Hauts de Locmiquel.
Activities and guided nature outings in the Gulf of Morbihan
The Gulf of Morbihan Regional Natural Park offers many activities for discovering local fauna and flora, ideal for enriching a nature stay in Brittany.
The guided tours and walks, labeled "Regional Natural Park Values" , are carried out by professionals. They share their knowledge of the territory and their passion for discovering the natural heritage of the Gulf of Morbihan.
📞 Information: 02 97 62 03 03 (Monday to Friday, from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm)
👉 Calendar of nature outings in the Gulf of Morbihan Regional Natural Park
https://www.parc-golfe-morbihan.bzh/categorie-agenda/sortie-nature/
These outings allow you to observe birds and sentinel species (hedgehog, grey cuckoo, brent goose…), with many activities in winter to discover the wintering birds of the Gulf of Morbihan.
All nature outings and activities around the Gulf of Morbihan are also listed by the Tourist Office.
👉 Calendar of nature activities in the Gulf of Morbihan
https://www.golfedumorbihan.bzh/explorer-vannes/activites-vannes/agenda/les-animations-nature/
We recommend that you register in advance for the outings that interest you, as they are often fully booked, especially during holiday periods.
The Toulvern pond: a preserved natural biotope
Just below our park is the Toulvern pond , a completely protected natural area closed to the public to allow wintering birds to rest peacefully.
This site is particularly original and exceptional: it combines brackish water from the Gulf of Morbihan and two smaller freshwater ponds.
It is a major site for migratory and wintering birds that come to feed and rest there.
Here you can observe species that are sometimes protected, such as the tufted duck or the northern shoveler, which are very rare in the region and listed on the red list of birds in Brittany. You can also find ospreys, little egrets, mute swans, and many other species.
That is why you will be able to observe many birds directly from our park and in the vicinity of the cottage.
The view of the pond can be accessed via the coastal path after Sept-Îles, at the tip of Toulvern, where the oyster farmer Au rythme des Marées is located.
A great opportunity to combine seafood tasting and bird watching.
👉 Oyster tasting in Toulvern – In rhythm with the tides
https://huitrelatoulverne.fr/degustation/
Séné Marshes Nature Reserve, a major site for biodiversity
The Séné Marshes Nature Reserve is the largest natural area in the Gulf of Morbihan, with an area of 530 hectares .
Thanks to the richness of its species, this site is recognized at the European level as one of the most remarkable natural areas for its biodiversity, and more particularly for its water birds.
Each season offers wonderful surprises: elegant avocet, white spoonbill, common shelduck, but also multicolored butterflies, amazing insects and plants typical of marshes, in varied and changing natural environments.
The reserve is accessible to visitors via marked trails. On certain dates, you can meet ornithologists who will provide you with numerous explanations and insights into this exceptional environment.
👉 Visit the Séné Marshes Nature Reserve
https://www.reservedesene.bzh/visiter-la-reserve/
The island of Ilur, a wild and protected island in the Gulf of Morbihan
The most central of the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan is home to a protected natural site, preserved from any urbanization.
Only a coast guard is responsible for its upkeep. No shuttle service serves the island: a private boat is required to reach it.
Ilur Island, with an area of 40 hectares, is now managed by the Gulf of Morbihan Regional Natural Park. A caretaker is permanently stationed there to manage the flow of visitors, ensure its maintenance and oversee its preservation.
It coexists with a flock of "Landes de Bretagne" sheep, transferred to the island to maintain part of the natural meadows.
Every Wednesday in July and August, it is possible to set off to discover the wonders of the island, like a Robinson Crusoe.
Guided walks are offered focusing on the flora, butterflies, trees, vines or the island's heritage: a truly enchanting interlude in the heart of nature.
To reach the island, you'll need to take a boat or a paddleboard. The lack of maritime services allows the island to retain its wild character and best preserve its natural resources.
Other protected natural sites to discover in Morbihan
Morbihan is full of remarkable natural spaces, ideal for complementing a nature stay in Brittany.
👉 Discover the nature reserves and protected sites of Morbihan
https://morbihan.com/decouvrir/sauvage-mythique/les-terres-bretonne-a-360/reserves-et-sites-naturels-lautre-visage-du-morbihan/