Two of the best kept secrets of the place: the trek of Graveyron 5.5km on the dikes that used to frame fishing ponds and salt marsh and are now a haven for birds and all sorts of fish and marine life and the 9.5km trek of Certes right by it. Starting point just behind the castle. It is best to check the time table for the tides, at high tide the play of light is unbelievable.

This is well worth a visit and indeed repeat visits - for walking, cycling but particularly for the Summer nature and wildlife tours they provide. The tours are really, really good - with the use of telescopes and binoculars you can see nesting herons, cormorants, a plethora of migrating ducks, swans and the beautiful black kites seem to be constantly hovering overhead. While we were there, we were invited to release a couple of young kestrels back into the wild after they've recovered from injury, which was pretty special. The guides are extremely friendly and knowledge - they're generous with their time in explaining not only the wildlife and flora but its survival as a sustainable protected environmental area. The Domaine de Certes is also home to roe deer, wild pigs, mink and otters and water rats :-) Would highly recommend anyone in the area to visit here - first to take a guided tour (they are free - and you can phone to organise one) to be informed of the area and to return again in your own time. It's a very pretty, calm, special place - make sure to fit it in. p.s. Part of the path around the grounds is on the Camino de Santiago through France on its way to Spain.