The park was founded in 1973, in an area of 250 hectares of dunes, forests and marshes reclaimed from the sea. It is an integral part of the Somme Bay nature reserve, and every year thousands of birds make it a stopping-off place for a few hours or a whole season: sandpipers from Siberia, barnacle geese from the Arctic circle, spoonbills on their return from Africa.

Each season offers something different.

The educational trail introduces you to the most common species of birds found here.

The observation trails, over 3.5 km or 5 km, give you a chance to see, amongst others, avocets, shelducks and small waders parading, resting or feeding. Observation posts line the trails at intervals and we recommend that you equip yourselves with binoculars, which can be hired on site.

Free access to :
- Le Bistrot du Marquenterre : to taste the local products. Open 5/02/05-13/11/05
- The shop : a broad choice of local and artisanal products and a specialized bookshop
- Exhibitions, conferences and animations throughout the season.

Practical info

Opening period
Unaccompanied visits throughout the year (ticket valid for the day)
Guided visits for individuals everyday at 10:30am during Christmas and February holidays. (closed on 25/12 and 01/01)

Access to the trails :
- from January 2 to February 3, 2006: 10am to 3pm, park closes at 5pm
- from February 4 to March 31, 2006 : 10am to 3:30pm, park closes at 5:30pm
- from April 1 to October 1, 2006 : 10am to 5pm, park closes at 7:30pm
- from October 2 to November 12, 2006 : 10am to 3:30pm, park closes at 5:30pm
- from November 13 to December 31, 2006: 10am to 3pm, park closes at 5pm

Prices
Adult : 9.90 €
Children (6-16) : 7.90 €

The Marquenterre Bird Park
25 bis, chemin des Garennes
80120 Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont
Tel : +33 (0)3 22 25 68 99
Fax : +33 (0)3 22 25 20 79
E-mail : contact@parcdumarquenterre.com
Website : www.parcdumarquenterre.com