Lussat and the Réserve Naturelle de l’Étang des Landes

Lussat is in the Creuse department and is home to the Réserve Naturelle de l’Étang des Landes. The protected area brings together the Étang, diverse wildlife and plant life, birdwatching sites and trails of varying lengths. The history of the pond and the exhibition at the Maison de la Réserve also offer distinctive ways to explore the area during your stay.

Étang, nature reserve and landscape

The Réserve Naturelle de l’Étang des Landes was designated a national nature reserve in 2004. It covers 165 hectares, of which 102 hectares are taken up by the Étang des Landes. The reserve is home to 950 animal species, including 240 bird species. Its flora comprises more than 480 species.

The formation of the Étang is also part of the landscape’s history: a dyke built in 1684 transformed a marshy area into a pond. A visit therefore brings together nature observation and a tangible historical change. The two different area figures refer to two distinct units: 165 hectares for the reserve as a whole and 102 hectares for the Étang.

Trails and birdwatching

A signposted, seven-kilometre circular trail goes all the way around the Réserve Naturelle de l’Étang des Landes. A shorter option is the trail of just under three kilometres to the Affût des Trois Bouleaux and back. This trail is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The two routes differ both in length and in their explicitly stated accessibility.

Four observation sites are located around the Étang, where you can watch the reserve’s birds at close range. All four birdwatching sites are freely accessible. There is one exception: the Grand Affût is elevated and is therefore not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Another footpath leads 300 metres from the car park through the bocage landscape along a rural track. Along the way, there is an observation pontoon overlooking the bocage landscape, as well as a landscaped pond with a discovery pontoon. These features offer a different perspective on the surroundings from the birdwatching sites around the Étang.

Maison de la Réserve and exhibition

The Maison de la Réserve is located in the Pavillon de Landes, where it welcomes and informs visitors. Its permanent exhibition covers 80 square metres. It presents the history of the Étang des Landes area and explains the reserve’s natural habitats. In this way, historical context and information about the habitats complement what you can observe outdoors.

The Étang des Landes grounds are freely accessible all year round. However, the facilities within the grounds have their own seasonal opening schedules. If you are planning your visit around a particular facility, check its opening hours in advance.

Events and fishing

The reserve’s Nature Rendez-vous events are held every year. They include playful, nocturnal and festive events. The reserve also takes part in recurring national nature and cultural programmes, including Fête de la nature, Nuit de la Chauve-Souris, Fréquence grenouille and the Journées du patrimoine. The specific event dates change each year, so check them if you want to plan your trip around a particular programme.

Fishing at the Étang des Landes is permitted, but subject to regulations. You need a special permit for this location, which is sold at the Maison de la Réserve. Check the rules in force before fishing. This makes clear how the requirements for this activity differ from access to the freely accessible birdwatching sites.

Discover more destinations: Malleret-Boussac, Lépinas, Vareilles, Gouzon, Pontarion, La Souterraine, Saint-Dizier-Leyrenne, Janaillat.

For the regional travel overview: Creuse.