Etang de Saint-Paul

The Étang de Saint-Paul lies behind the town in a basin fed by springs at the foot of the ramparts, and at around four hundred and fifty hectares it is the largest wetland on the island, made a national nature reserve in 2008. Reed beds, open water and marsh support the endemic Réunion moorhen and a long list of birds, dragonflies and fish, and paths and boardwalks run along the edges with guided walks arranged by the reserve.

What you actually see

• The reed beds - extensive marsh vegetation covering much of the reserve.
• The Reunion moorhen - the endemic waterbird the reserve was created partly to protect.
• The spring feed - the water rising at the foot of the ramparts behind the town.
• The boardwalks - the paths and viewing points around the reserve edge.

When to go

May to November is the drier season. Early morning is best for birds. Guided visits must be booked with the reserve.

Honest expectations

Access to the core of the reserve is restricted and much of it is seen from the edge. Mosquitoes are persistent. Invasive plants and water quality remain serious management problems.

Nearby

Saint-Paul is on the coast, and Le Maido is above.