The Bagnas reserve is a delight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. This beautiful, protected wilderness area is ideal for walking and observing the flora and fauna. It's a restful place, away from the noise. Discover this unique, unspoilt site.
Discover the Bagnas reserve
The Bagnas nature reserve is located in the Occitanie region, between the communes of Agde and Marseillan plage, at the western end of the Etang de Thau. It covers more than 500 hectares and is crossed by the Canal du Midi from east to west. The reserve is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral. It was classified as a national nature reserve in 1983 and Natura 2000 since 2010. It unites land and sea, and boasts a rich flora and fauna, with more than 240 species of bird recorded and observable all year round. Some of these species are rare, such as the black stork, osprey and peregrine falcon.
This protected natural area is made up of ponds, marshes, cultivated land and sansouïres. Numerous awareness-raising and information activities (in the form of guided tours) are offered to enable visitors to observe the flora and fauna without disturbing them.
In addition to the guided tours, it is possible to walk or cycle along certain paths (only the route de Maraval and the south bank of the Canal du Midi).
The observation area of the pond, between Marseillan town and Marseillan beach, is accessible by car and allows you to observe a few birds.
The reserve house, which is open to the public, gives visitors a better understanding of the origins of the site.
What can you do around the Bagnas reserve?
Close to the reserve, other paths are accessible and also provide opportunities for birdwatching.
This is the case at Mont Saint-Loup, an ancient volcano overlooking Cap-d'Agde. Its summit, which can only be reached on foot, offers a magnificent panorama of the coastline and hinterland. You can admire the Etang de Thau, the view over the Bagnas reserve and the town of Agde.
The Etang de Thau is also one of the places not to be missed near the reserve. At the Onglous lighthouse, where the waters of the Canal du Midi meet those of the lake, it's not unusual to see birds. The area is also famous for its Bouzigues oysters. Don't hesitate to sample them directly from the oyster farmers. You'll be pleasantly surprised by their nutty flavour, so typical of the Etang de Thau.
The coastline around the Bagnas reserve is within easy reach. From Agde to Sète, via Marseillan, the beaches invite you to relax and swim. Whether you're looking for a family beach, a naturist beach or a water sports beach, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
And don't miss a visit to the charming port of Sète, a city of culture and tourism. Stroll along the Lido promenade, visit the Espace Georges Brassens and admire the view from Mont Saint-Clair.
Staying near the Bagnas reserve
The Marseillan La Créole campsite has a lot going for it. In addition to its direct access to the beach and the town, this family campsite on a human scale is close to the region's must-see sites (Etang de Thau, Sète, Réserve du Bagnas, Agde, etc.).
The 3-star campsite offers comfortable, air-conditioned mobile homes to rent or spacious, marked-out camping pitches.
You can take advantage of the many facilities and services available to make your stay as pleasant as possible (restaurant, bike hire, wifi, etc.).
Welcome to La Créole campsite in Marseillan for a relaxing, natural holiday. Ideal for a family holiday, the Languedoc region offers an immense coastline, unspoilt natural areas and towns of art and history. All the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday under the Mediterranean sun.
