The Barthes de l'Adour are vast alluvial plains located on either side of the Adour River and its tributary, the Luy. A wetland shaped by man and nature, it is of major ecological interest in France and Europe, justifying its classification as a Natura 2000 site.

The Barthes de l'Adour are the alluvial plains located on either side of the Adour river along the 80 km stretch between Pontonx-sur-Adour and Tarnos. The alluvial plain of its tributary, the Luy, is also included in the Natura 2000 sites up to Sort en Chalosse. Covering a total area of 20,000 hectares, the site's boundaries correspond to the territory covered by the 1952 hundred-year flood in the 45 municipalities concerned, as well as some of their associated hillsides.

The Barthes de l'Adour are vast wetlands criss-crossed by ditches and canals, offering rich and varied natural environments ranging from grazed or mown meadows to the large oak forests of the Adour, 17 of which are targeted by Europe (alluvial oak-hornbeam and alder-ash forests, raised bogs, amphibious grasslands, aquatic herb beds, tall herb communities, etc.). This mosaic of environments is home to remarkable fauna and flora typical of wetlands, including 47 species targeted by Europe (white stork, European pond turtle, otter, barbastelle bat, moorland clouded yellow butterfly, sea lamprey, Graslin's dragonfly, four-leaved marsh marigold, etc.). Nature lovers can observe a remarkable diversity of species here.

The CPIE

A long-standing partner of the Tourist Office, CPIE Seignanx et Adour is one of the key players in the preservation of the Barthes. Associated with the association Landes Nature, the Landes Hunters' Federation, the Adour Midouze Union and the Federation for Fishing and the Protection of Aquatic Environments, He is a Natura 2000 coordinator and implements the Natura site objectives documents. He therefore encourages landowners and users of the Adour and its Barthes to implement measures to preserve this remarkable natural heritage (maintenance of natural grasslands, preservation of old woodlands, maintenance of water bodies, restoration of peat bogs, etc.). You can also find all the information you need about the management of the Adour and its Barthes on the website Barthes Midouze Marensin.

In the Kiwi Valley, the Barthes are accessible from the municipalities of Port-de-Lanne, Saint Etienne d'Orthe, Pey and Orist. When hiking in the Kiwi Valley and its barthes, adopt the right habits of a responsible hiker: respect the flora and fauna, stay on the marked trails, leave no trace of your passage, and enjoy nature to the fullest while preserving it.

The right actions for responsible hikers in the Kiwi Valley