This nature center really offers you a fun and educational discovery of the region's fauna and flora. With a 55-meter high watchtower and an exhibition-discovery center, you will discover the history of the lighthouse of Cordouan, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the biodiversity of the mouth of the estuary. from the Gironde. You can also sit and enjoy the cafe on site.
Several points of interest are unmissable in the Parc de l'estuaire de Saint-Georges-de-Didonne to make the most of this natural space in Charente-Maritime.
The Villa du Parc de l’Estuaire houses permanent exhibition spaces that are particularly interesting for understanding the world of the Gironde. Discover the Cordouan Lighthouse, exhibitions dedicated to the surrounding nature...
In the rooms focusing on the three essential elements (earth, water, air), you will discover the history and the natural environment of the Gironde estuary.
In the "earth room", you will understand the formation of the estuary by going back in time. Regarding the "water room", you will immerse yourself in the waters of the Garonne and the Dordogne. The “air room” is dedicated to the many wild birds that pass through the estuary during migrations.
Leaving the Villa, take your time and start by admiring the view that awaits you... A superb panorama over the entire Gironde estuary! The limestone cliffs and their beautiful white color, the waves of the ocean lapping the cliffs and over there, in the distance, the Pointe de Grave. Besides, why not take advantage of the terrace of the Villa to enjoy a tea and take the time to soak up the show.
Just at the exit of the Villa de l'estuaire begins the discovery trail of the Saint-Georges-de-Didonne estuary park.
The path then crosses a magnificent forest with Mediterranean species.
To learn more about the flora present, do not hesitate to stop in front of the many explanatory panels present at the foot of the trees. The fauna is also very present since birds fly in large numbers above the peaks and a few rodents sometimes cut off the path of visitors.
To be tested: the adventure game “The legend of Suzac” (from 6 years old) or the “Land Art” course (for the whole family) to accompany you and immerse yourself in an eco-responsible artistic universe.
At the end of the path, you will reach the perfect place to discover the entire site of the Saint-Georges-de-Didonne estuary park. From the top of this nearly 60-metre watchtower, you will enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the entire Gironde estuary! Subjects to vertigo refrain... But the others will be amazed after climbing the hundred steps leading to the summit. In front of you: the estuary, the maritime pines of the Suzac forest, the blue of the ocean. Further still you will see the Lighthouse of Cordouan listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the immense beaches of Charente-Maritime and the Médoc...
Beyond the beauty of the panorama, the watchtower also has a utilitarian function since it serves as an observation point to monitor fire outbreaks and therefore potential fires in the Suzac forest.