At the heart of the straits of Charente, the Pertuis Charentais, lies the nature reserve of Moëze-Oléron, an important international site for migratory birds, and protected area as it shelters a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The valued status of 'Environmental Centre' was bestowed by the departmental council of Charente-Maritime in 1996 for its excellently preserved state and the activity that surrounds it.
