The local Boumandariel circular route

This trail will allow you to discover the tremendous diversity of marine and terrestrial vegetation. You too will fall in love with this deluge of colors and scents.

The local Boumandariel circular route, 5 km 500 metres in length, covers the southern coastal section of the Martigues commune. It is ideal for discovering the exceptional natural flora and fauna.

In detail:

River bed, reed bed and Boumandariel marsh
Reed beds are relatively simple ecosystems, consisting mainly of a single plant species - the common reed (Phragmites australis) which is a perennial grass. The roots and rhizomes dig down to 80cm in flooded soil or sodden soil. They grow in a range of different aquatic environments such as shallow marshes, around ponds and on the banks of canals and rivers. Despite having little floral interest, reeds are very important for the conservation of animal species, some of which are completely dependent on this environment.

As a result of their role as a shelter to fauna, particularly birds and invertebrates, reeds are very precious to the environment. They are considered to be a crucial habitat for the biodiversity, particularly for water birds.

Species which are vulnerable and rare in Europe such as certain herons, ducks, birds of prey and passerines reproduce in reed beds. They also provide an interface with the aquatic environment for other species seeking protection in wetlands for their perches, such as dormitories for swallows and starlings. Reed beds also play a role in the natural infrastructure: they protect banks from erosion and help to purify the air by absorbing nutriments (phosphates and nitrates), oxygenating and stabilising heavy metals.