KingfisherNature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts, the Etang de la Grande Noë in Val de Reuil has some wonderful surprises in store for you. At the heart of a 65-hectare preserved natural area, the ornithological reserve is home to thousands of wild birds that find refuge and food on the ponds.
At the bend in the paths laid out to encourage birdwatching by the public, get out your binoculars and take the time to scan the sky to catch a glimpse of the pretty specimens that have taken up residence here or that make their annual rendezvous on the banks.
The diversity of habitats and the special geographical location of the Poses loop, at the mouth of the Eure and Andelle rivers, make it an ideal stopover on an important migration route. The Etang de la Grande Noë is even an exceptional breeding site for many migratory birds.
Three covered observatories and a palisade fence dot the trail at the best spots for birdwatching in complete peace and quiet, whatever the weather. Information panels near these observation huts help you to identify the different species present.
Aerial panorama of the Grande Noé reserve in Normandy
Ornithological reserveMore than 250 different bird species have been observed here, including 115 species that have already nested. The variety of species that live here is remarkable: the common pochard, tufted duck, common coot, moorhen, great cormorant, grey heron, great crested grebe, gull, mute swan, mallard, kingfisher, bank swallow and the European protected bittern and least bittern. The reserve is also home to the largest colonies of Mediterranean gull, black-headed gull and common tern in Normandy.
Child watching birds through binoculars from one of the observatories at the Grande Noé bird sanctuary in Normandy.
Landscape and lake in the heart of the Grande Noé bird sanctuary at sunset
Landscape, view of the lake at the Grande Noé bird sanctuary in Normandy
Reflection on the lake of the Grande Noé bird sanctuary in Normandy at sunsetGrab your binoculars! Ornithology is a fun and instructive activity, ideal for families to get children excited about nature. Take a walk along the discovery trail together and discover the remarkable biodiversity of butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles, wild flowers and aquatic plants. Guided tours can be booked in advance with the Groupe Ornithologique Normand: 06 07 27 97 89.
