Festival de l'Oiseau et de la Nature

The essential meeting place for nature lovers

The Festival de l'Oiseau et de la Nature was created in 1991 in the Baie de Somme, one of the largest estuaries in Northern Europe and one of the most important ornithological sites in France. From its very first edition, the festival's mission has been to raise public awareness of the rich biodiversity of this exceptional area, a designated Grand Site de France, where over 300 species of birds are regularly observed. In over thirty years of existence, it has become the largest nature festival in France.

Over 400 guided nature outings

The heart of the festival lies in its guided nature outings, led by professional naturalists and ornithological guides. Over nine days in April, more than 400 outings are offered throughout the Baie de Somme and beyond: observing migratory birds in the marshes and mudflats, discovering coastal flora, twilight hikes to listen to bird songs, seal watching in the bay, visits to nature reserves and ornithological parks. These outings, accessible to all levels, offer a unique immersion in Picardy's nature.

Films, exhibitions, and wildlife art

Beyond field trips, the Festival de l'Oiseau et de la Nature offers a rich cultural program: screenings of documentary films on nature and the environment, wildlife photography exhibitions with a renowned international competition, naturalistic drawing workshops, scientific conferences, and meetings with wildlife artists. The festival also hosts a nature book fair and areas dedicated to environmental associations, making this event a true hub for ecological thought.

A festival rooted in an exceptional territory

The Baie de Somme provides an incomparable setting for the festival. Ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, it is a major migratory crossroads on the East Atlantic flyway. The salt marshes, dunes, coastal marshes, and chalk cliffs of the Picardy coast are home to remarkable biodiversity. The festival draws on this exceptional natural heritage to offer an immersive and educational experience, contributing to public awareness of the challenges of biodiversity preservation and the sustainable development of the region.