A quick note about this site which is about 20 km south of La Rochelle on the N137 towards Rochefort.
The site appears to be a rest area with a large pull off parking area. However, there is an LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux) centre with a large observation window over salt marsh and lagoons. The lagoons are a wintering site for 100s of Curlew and BT-Godwit, Avocet, Redshank, Black Winged Stilt, Little Egret, and other waders, Marsh Harriers regularly hunt over the area.
Access to the reserve costs 2.5 euro (about £1.50) for an hours guided tour. Probably unguided access is also available.
http://marais.yves.reserves-naturel...adreanglais.htm
On the day I was there (late August) the main lagoon held about 400 Curlew, 600 BT Godwit, 100 Avocet, 50 Redshank.
Birds seen during visit: Avocet, Curlew, Turtle Dove, Dunlin Little Egret, Black Tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Marsh Harrier, Grey Heron, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Shelduck, Black Wing Stilt.
The exit just before the reserve is signposted Les Boucholeurs, 3 Canons, leads to the rear of the reserve and a habitat that is reminiscent of Snettisham Beach. Good for Turnstone, Little Egret, Godwit, Plovers, etc. all of which come quite near to the sea wall.