In Yves, nature watching, local history and oyster farming go hand in hand. When planning your visit, the main distinction is how to access each site: the National Nature Reserve offers guided tours on set dates; visits to oyster producers are by reservation or appointment and may be seasonal.
Nature reserve and wildlife watching
As of November 14, 2024, the Bay and Marais d’Yves National Nature Reserve covers an area of 1,206 hectares. It includes the Baie d’Yves, beaches and marshland north and south of the Falaise d’Yves. The Marais d’Yves Nature Reserve brings together a range of habitats: muddy tidal flats, dry dunes, ponds that are more or less brackish at different times, marshland and reed beds, wet meadows, wooded areas and scrubland. At least 574 flowering plant species are found in the nature reserve.
Birdwatching also changes with the seasons. Waders, both small and large, can be spotted along the shore, while ducks are present in winter. In spring, black-winged stilts and pied avocets breed here; marsh harriers can be seen year-round. The National Nature Reserve is not freely accessible like a developed visitor site. The LPO offers guided tours there year-round on set dates. The guided excursions are adapted for different disabilities. If you are planning a tour, check the available dates in advance.
Circular trails and regional orientation
The “Châtelaillon-Plage – Boucle Boucholeurs” walking loop is listed as 3.04 km and 47 minutes. The route information gives the Belvédère des Bouchôleurs in 17340 Yves as the starting point. The tourism route recommends checking trail conditions before setting off. La Rotonde des Boucholeurs offers another landmark: the panoramic viewpoint is on the border between Châtelaillon-Plage and Yves, along a raised 10 m-high promenade.
A geolocated trail near the nature reserve features five playful, interactive activities about coastal development, flora and fauna. For a longer regional cycling trip, the Département recommends the Réserve Naturelle du Marais d’Yves as a stop on the Vélodyssée® section in Charente-Maritime.
History in Yves
The Saint-Etienne d’Yves priory was already in existence in the 12th century. It was demolished and rebuilt in the 19th century. Another biographical thread leads to Trois-Canons in the commune of Yves, where Sophie Blanchard was born on March 24, 1778. She was the first woman to pursue a career as an aeronaut. These two subjects offer distinct historical perspectives: one on the priory’s long history, the other on a figure from the history of aviation.
Oyster and mussel farming
Les Boucholeurs is one of the five hamlets in the commune of Yves and also lies within the territory of Châtelaillon-Plage. Oyster and mussel farming are among the area’s key activities. The visits described at oyster producers vary in format and focus.
Saveurs Nacrées welcomes groups by reservation for an educational tasting. Explanations of oyster farming last from 30 minutes to an hour, followed by a tasting or a meal on site. Be sure to confirm availability and seasonal offerings in advance. At Prévost-Chollet, guided, explanatory tours of the oyster-farming hut are available seasonally by appointment. They cover the shellfish-farming professions, as well as the ecology and biodiversity of the coast and sea; afterwards, visitors sample the producer’s own oysters and/or seasonal mussels.
L’Ambiance Cabane welcomes guests to the seafront terrace of its oyster-farming hut to introduce its products. From there, the view takes in the Baie d’Yves, Fouras and the Île d’Aix. The offerings are distinct: explanations with a tasting, a guided tour with commentary, or a product introduction accompanied by views of named landmarks.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Romain-sur-Gironde, Beurlay, Contré, Etaules, La Genétouze, Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois, L'éguille, Saint-Just-Luzac.
For the full trip overview: Charente-Maritime.
