Created in 1991, this nature reserve covers 25000 hectares of wet zones. This large territory has a most important ecological interest between the marsch and bocage landscapes. The 144 communes of the nature reserve invite you to discover the differrent nature aspects by hiking-tours, horse- riding or motor boat trips. The season alternation in the marsch (wet season or dry season) is the origine of the particularity of its fauna and flora.The situation of the reserve, on the main route of bird migration between Northern Europe and the winter quarters on the African continent, is favorable for bird watching. You can observe many species: lapwing, harrier, white stork (which is the object of a very close observation). Nearer by the sea is "la Baie des Veys", a real paradise for ornithologists, where many birds live on the tempo of the tides: sea gulls, kittiwakes, oystercatchers, shags, and so on.

These ecological ressources rest on a balance thanks to the presence of human beings: the grazing of the cattle, the mowing, the maintenance of the ditches and the rivers are essential to the preservation of this original, natural, and fragile inheritance. The " Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin" are unique. Surrounded by the bocage, the wide and plane area shows you a breathtaking contrast.

During the Summer, the natural reserve offers you a large choice of animations, concocted by the inhabitants and its associations. They really know this place and invite you to come over and discover it with them.

Contact : Parc des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin
www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr

Head Office : Maison du Parc - Cantepie - 50500 LES VEYS
Ph. : 02.33.71.61.90 - Fax : 02.33.71.61.91 - info@parc-cotentin-bessin.fr

Accueil touristique : "Les Ponts d'Ouve, Espace de découverte" - 50500 SAINT COME DU MONT
Ph. : 02.33.71.65.30 - Fax : 02.33.71.65.31 - ponts-douve@parc-cotentin-bessin.fr