THE BLACK POND NATURE RESERVE

Situated in the south of the Landes department, the Etang Noir national nature reserve is one of the many small ponds that dot the dunes to the east of the Aquitaine coastline. The Etang Noir owes its name to its depth, muddy bottom and the shade provided by the trees on its banks. This admirable site offers a landscape characteristic of wet moorland. A dense, luxuriant marsh, populated by trees with leaning trunks and intertwined branches, dotted with majestic primitive ferns whose stalks can grow up to 300 years old, as well as carnivorous plants, clumps of paniculate sedge, marsh iris and royal osmonds. The plant density of this protected and regulated area (52 ha) is astonishing. Animals live here in complete freedom. More than 35 species of odonata, around 100 bird species and over 200 plant species have been counted in the nature reserve. With patience and discretion, you can observe grey herons, dragonflies, ducks or turtles (Cistude d'Europe). A magnet for visitors, the reserve is visited by 45-50,000 tourists and schoolchildren every year. Before setting off on the discovery footbridge, don't hesitate to drop in at the Visitor Centre to meet the naturalist rangers, who will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit. The Visitor Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm; Monday to Friday from 10am to 6:30pm and at weekends from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5:30pm in July and August.