A nature outing to the Pointe du Siège in the Orne Estuary

A natural spectacle at Pointe du Siège in Ouistreham

While you are in Ouistreham Riva-Bella, don’t miss a visit to the Pointe du Siège and the Orne estuary if you love nature! The meeting point of the freshwater from the River Orne and the salt water from the English Channel has produced a unique landscape: dunes, flocks of birds, marshland, the sandy foreshore, tidal flats, salt marsh and woodland… And you soon understand why the Orne estuary is famous as the biggest nature area in Calvados. The Pointe du Siège has 1500 metres of sandy beaches and is listed as a Natura 2000 site!

Unmatched biodiversity with over 280 migratory species

The Orne estuary is a favourite spot for migratory birds. Common shelduck, Kentish plover, sedge warbler, whistling duck and even seals – take the time to see the hundreds of wild animals living here! For a special encounter with the site’s inhabitants, go all the way to the end of the Pointe du Siège. At a height of 7 metres, you should take your binoculars to see the birds taking off! Here you will come across different species, varying with the tides and the seasons. On the way back, look down at your feet and see a whole host of plants, mushrooms, reptiles, amphibians and shellfish!

Looking for an unusual visit?

On foot, by boat, by bike or even on horseback, there are many ways to see the different faces of the Orne Estuary. Leaving from Ouistreham towards the Pointe du Siège, get into a sea kayak for a trip in the estuary. You will probably see people out looking for fishing bait and shellfish! Look up and you will see the Ouistreham Lighthouse, which has been guarding the estuary since 1903! Hiking fans can head for the green way towards Caen and take a break at Pegasus Bridge, the entry point to Sallenelles and Merville-Franceville. If you have any questions about the site and its riches, go to the House of Nature and the Estuary.