With its 530 hectares, the Domaine de Certes et de Graveyron is one of the natural treasures of the Bassin d’Arcachon. Explore the estate on your own or with one of the reserve’s guides, and be amazed by the unique landscapes and the many birds that come into view.
A secret corner of the Basin
To discover this little wild paradise, you’ll have to go to the south-east of the Bassin d’Arcachon, around ten kilometers from Camping Le Ker Helen, between Audenge and Lanton. Here, between land and sea, freshwater and saltwater, lies the Certes and Graveyron estate. Visitors come here to recharge their batteries, cut themselves off from the world and learn to observe the flora and fauna.
A little history
This 530-hectare natural area, owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, was created by man over the course of history. In the second half of the 18th century, the estate was developed for salt production by Émery de Durfort-Civrac, Baron of Audenge. Half a century later, the estate was transformed into a fish farm.
In 1984, Domaine de Certes was classified as a “sensitive natural area”. It covers 396 hectares, including 150 hectares of ponds, wet meadows, farmland and mixed hardwood and softwood plantations. In 1998, the Conservatoire du Littoral purchased the Graveyron estate , adjacent to the wilder, more intimate Certes estate. Today, the Certes-Graveyron reserve forms a vast dyked area where nature reigns supreme. A jewel of biodiversity revealed by naturalist rangers on guided tours.
A nature sanctuary
Designed by the hand of man over the centuries, this fragile natural heritage has gradually regained its free and wild character. All year round, naturalist guides welcome visitors with botanical, cultural and artistic activities, as well as guided or self-guided walks. Signs accompany the curious in their discovery of the natural environment.
Your wanderings will take you through sublime landscapes, salt meadows, wet meadows, reed beds and salt marshes. At the north-western end of the site, the Pointe de Branne dike offers a spectacular view of the Bay of Arcachon. Along the former fish reservoirs, a multitude of birds can be observed in their natural habitat. Nearly 250 species of birds have been recorded: herons, cormorants, egrets, white-mirrored blue throats, white spoonbills, shelducks…
- Certes circuit: 9.2 km from the estate entrance to the Bay of Lanton. Possibility of completing the circuit via the departmental cycle path (3.6 km).
- Graveyron circuit: 6.2 km loop from the estate reception (or 4.8 km loop from Audenge harbour).
- Self-guided or guided walks (registration required). Bring binoculars, camera and backpack for water bottle. Access: 47, avenue de Certes,33980 Audenge, tel. : 05 56 82 71 79.
Certes Castle
As you stroll through the meadows of the Domaine de Certes, you’re likely to come across a pretty Italianate château, the Château de Certes. The château is not open to the public, but you can wander freely around the building. It currently houses the Conservatoire Botanique Sud Atlantique and a bird-care center run by the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux).
Built in the 18th century by the Marquis Émery de Durfort-Civrac, on the site of an ancient seigniory that already existed in the 13th century, then transformed in 1840 by its new owner, Ernest Valeton de Boissière, the château is intimately linked to the history of the estate. It bears witness to the economic wealth that has long sustained this little corner of the Basin, namely salt-making and fish farming.
photo@Bernard Blanc, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, Flickr