The Napoleonic cadastre of 1826 mentions a salt works in this wetland area of Marseillan. In addition, local accounts mention the presence of rice fields at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as a fodder production site. More recently, in 1982, a “Free Reserve” was created through the League for the Protection of Birds. This status evolved into a Voluntary Nature Reserve in 1986. As the Prés du Baugé is of precious ecological and faunal interest, the Conservatoire du Littoral decided to acquire all of the non-urbanised parcels of the wetland depression located within its intervention perimeter.
Fauna and flora of these golden hectares…
With its 52 hectares, the site has a wide variety of habitats and plant species, some of which are listed in the “Fauna-Flora-Habitat” Directive for their fragile and threatened nature. The salinity gradient explains the ecological richness of the Prés du Baugé, as well as the alternation of submergence and dryness, so typical of the Mediterranean climate. There are 20 heritage species among the plant species, such as the Rome hyacinth, the thornless Bugrane, the hybrid Salsify and the Marsh Orchid.
The fauna is equally varied and this is due in particular to the tranquillity and resources of this natural area. The hedgerows attract a range of birds, such as the Sultana Pond-heron and the European Roller. Finally, six species of bats have been identified, such as the Schreibers’ Minioptera and the Leisler’s Noctule. The Diana, a magnificent protected butterfly, is also part of this remarkable fauna.
Part of the Natura 2000 zone of Thau, the Prés du Baugé are identifiable by their luxuriant meadows and their ash hedges and reedbeds on the northern side. Pastoral activity during the summer season allows the maintenance of this bocage landscape, which is very rare in the Mediterranean plain.
Port Marseillan – formerly Port Marseillan (of which Miguel Espada is the main investor through the Propriétés & Co and Slowlifecapital groups) – is only a few steps away from Les Prés du Baugé, an eco-resort also located in a peaceful area of Marseillan…