The dunes
The Domaine des Orpellières is a nature reserve of extraordinary biodiversity. Protected under "Natura 2000", the site, which extends over 167.76 ha, is notably made up of a 2.5 km long dune belt. The dunes of Orpellières, in an exceptional state of conservation, are formed from the beach from the "laisses de mer" (accumulation by the sea of natural debris), transported by the waves during storms. This accumulation of organic matter favours the development of plants such as the euphorbia peplis, the panicaut maritime or the oyat, a typical dune plant whose tracing roots ensure the maintenance of the barrier beach. In this dune environment, one can find reptiles such as Edwards' psammodromus, snails, the famous dune caragouilles, and many species of bees.
The lagoon
This space between land and sea can be seen at Les Orpellières. In this network of small lagoons, some are in water all year round, others only in winter. These singular environments are fed by fresh water and sea water (by marine submersion). During storms, a channel forms on the beach, linking the lagoon to the sea: the grau allows the movement of migratory fish from one environment to another, such as mullets and eels. It is not uncommon to observe many birds here: grey heron, little egret, pink flamingo, tern, and the emblematic bird of the Orpellières, the little grey-collared plover.
Salt meadows
This vast wetland encountered behind the dune belt presents contrasting environments where biodiversity is king. In this sansouire, the glasswort is the emblematic plant. Very present in soils rich in marine salts, it is particularly fond of these marshes. Glasswort is also an edible plant, frequently eaten in salads. In these halophilic meadows, ("which likes salt"), we meet the saladelle, also called sea lavender because of its purple flowers grouped in ears.
The Orb
The Orb is a coastal river that crosses the Biterrois plain. It is particularly attractive for its fauna and flora, especially at its mouth, located at the Pointe des Orpellières. A rich environment for biodiversity, it is home to eels and shad, a sea fish that swims up the lower course of the river. The banks of the Orb are particularly appreciated by birds that dig their nests there, such as the kingfisher or the European bee-eater.
Garrigue, vines and Mediterranean species
Beyond the coastline, the Biterrois develops its plains and hills in an environment characteristic of the Mediterranean cordon. Taking advantage of the diversity of the soils, the vines grow vehemently and are accompanied by protective rose bushes. The almond and fig trees seem to grow without the help of man, and the olive trees punctuate the faïsses with their silvery foliage. Holm oaks and maritime pines bless the land with their beneficent shade, and aromatic plants diffuse their perfumes in the garrigue.
