Flooded rice fields with winding paths and calm water areasAerial view of extensive flooded rice fields with winding paths crisscrossing the fields. Calm water areas reflect the clear blue sky and lush green fields. In the background, a line of trees and a few buildings can be seen.
©The rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a peaceful and lush landscape.|P lecarpentier
Unmissable in La Manche

The Cotentin Marshes Regional Nature Park

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The Cotentin marshes, a regional nature park, a bird reserve!

Want a change of scenery? Then come and discover The Cotentin Marshes: a territory between two seas, varied landscapes!

Between marshes, bocage, coastline and moors, the fauna and flora develop and diversify, to the delight of nature lovers!

Located in Normandy at the hinge of the departments of Manche and Calvados, in the heart of the triangle “Caen, Le Mont Saint Michel and Cherbourg”, the Parc des Marais covers an area of 110 municipalities on 147,000 hectares.

The regional nature park of the Cotentin and Bessin marshes was created in 1991, due to the importance of its wetland. Since that date, it has benefited from the “Regional Nature Park” label awarded by the State.

Two horses grazing in a green meadow with trees and a stream in the backgroundTwo horses are grazing in a lush green meadow. Bare trees and a stream can be seen in the background. The sky is slightly cloudy.
©The horses enjoy a peaceful day in their meadow.
Serene lake with reeds and a blue sky at sunsetA serene lake with reeds in the foreground and a blue sky at sunset. The warm colors of the setting sun are reflected on the calm water surface. In the distance, a line of trees and a few scattered clouds can be seen.
©A serene lake reflects the warm colors of the sunset.|G Aimard Pnrmcb
Flooded fields with buildings and roadsAerial view of a rural landscape where fields and roads are flooded. Buildings and roads are partially submerged by water. Green fields contrast with flooded areas, and trees show signs of autumn.
©Fields and roads are submerged by water, creating a unique landscape.|P lecarpentier
Green fields with horses and cows grazing near a small pondA vast green field stretches as far as the eye can see, with horses and cows grazing peacefully near a small pond. In the background, rolling green hills and trees line the horizon.
©A peaceful countryside scene where animals graze freely.
A group of ducks swimming in a pond surrounded by tall grassSeveral ducks are swimming peacefully in a pond surrounded by tall grass. The water is calm and reflects the gray sky and the surrounding grass. In the background, there is a grassy area and a few trees.
©The ducks enjoy the tranquility of the pond on a calm day.
    A group of cows grazing in a green field with a small streamSeveral cows of different colors are grazing in a lush green field. A small stream meanders through the field, bordered by tall grass. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.
    ©The cows enjoy a sunny day in their field.|N Lavillonniere

      As the seasons change, the marshes change their face:

      In winter: the sky and water merge, the marshes are covered with water. They are said to “whiten” and the expression Cotentin peninsula then takes on its full meaning : it is the white marsh. The marsh becomes a huge lake where we can distinguish neither vegetation nor agricultural plots: only winter birds are kings there … a breathtaking spectacle!

      In spring: the meadows emerge from the flooded areas, the rivers find their beds again, plant life is reborn. In the vast meadows, the fish give way to birds, but also to cows, sheep and horses that are put out to pasture.

      In summer: it is the hay mowing and at the end of the season it is the maintenance of the channels and ditches. The valleys are characterized by a color chart favored by agricultural practices offering a variety of textures.

      In autumn: as soon as the first rains come, the cattle find the high country. Several tens, even hundreds of thousands of birds transit through the Nature Park to reach their winter quarters.

      Fauna and flora

      The numerous hiking trails will introduce you to a rich and varied biodiversity. You will be charmed to meet cows, horses, donkeys, birds and dragonflies, but you will be even more charmed when you come across storks hunting in the meadows interspersed with limes (= ditches) during the fine weather. These birds stop in the marshes during their migratory journey because these lands offer a real pantry! The Cotentin Marshes Park is a unique site to observe migratory birds. A multitude of birds nest here year-round, but the October season is the most interesting for observing the migratory species that come to winter. In the heart of the Baie des Veys, lives a colony of calf seals.

      Sunset over a body of water with a floating object in the foregroundView of a body of water at dusk, with a floating object in the foreground. Orange reflections shimmer on the calm water. The sky is partially cloudy, with clouds illuminated by the last rays of the sun.
      ©An object floats peacefully on the water at sunset.|Guillaume Hedouin
      Two people walking on a forest trailTwo people are walking on a forest trail. They are carrying backpacks and are surrounded by green trees and vegetation. The sky is clear and the sun is shining through the branches.
      ©A peaceful walk in nature.|G.aimard Pnrmcb
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