Martignas-Sur-Jalle: River, Wetlands and Culture

Martignas-Sur-Jalle brings together a range of attractions that you can prioritize differently when planning a stay: the river and wetlands, trails for walking or cycling, and art, astronomy and remembrance. If you are looking for a hotel, you can start by asking which of these aspects of the town matters most for your trip. The options below range from specific trail choices to visits that require arrangements in advance.

La Jalle and trails through the municipality

La Jalle is a river area in Martignas-Sur-Jalle that is well suited to walking; fishing and swimming are also possible there. La Jalle has been designated a Natura 2000 site since 2000. A footpath has been laid out along the wetlands, guiding walkers along a designated route. This trail option is intended for pedestrians and follows a clearly described route.

The municipal Martignas Tree-Lined Walks are a hiking plan for exploring Martignas-Sur-Jalle. You can follow its routes on foot or by bicycle; the municipality provides a downloadable map. Unlike the footpath along the wetlands, the plan includes routes for two modes of travel. The map helps you choose which trails to include in your stay.

Wet heaths and natural areas

Camp de Souge is designated a Type II ZNIEFF. It covers 2,855 hectares of natural habitats and is considered an ecological protection area; its Atlantic wet heaths are among the last remaining original wet heaths in Gascony. Notable species include the cranberry blue, the bog fritillary, the European nightjar, the European pond turtle and the intermediate-leaved sundew. This natural area is notable both for its extensive habitats and for a specific selection of remarkable species.

Moulin Bidon: trails and facilities

The Moulin Bidon site is named after a former watermill owned by the Bidon family. Trails with wooden walkways run through the wetlands. The site also has a picnic area, two bowling lanes, a large draughts game and an exhibition on biodiversity. The walkways and exhibition offer different ways to experience the site: trails through the wetlands on the one hand, and a closer look at biodiversity on the other. Check that the listed facilities are available before your visit.

Art and astronomy

The Galerie d’Art Claude-Monet exhibits works by painters, sculptors and photographers from the region on weekends. The weekend schedule is a useful guide when planning a gallery visit.

Jalle Astronomie offers stargazing and astrophotography; the club provides the instruments. Access to the observatory on the Plaine Colette-Besson has been available since 2015. If you are planning a visit to the observatory, check the visiting arrangements in advance. The two offerings therefore have different focuses: the gallery showcases regional art and is open to visitors on weekends, while Jalle Astronomie focuses on stargazing and astrophotography.

Souge Memorial

The Souge Memorial was erected in 1998 by the Association du Souvenir des Fusillés de Souge. A wooded path passes by steles listing the victims’ names, first names and ages, arranged by date of execution. During visits, the history of the executions, the various groups and those who were shot is presented at the corresponding steles. The chronological arrangement gives the path a timeline and connects the people listed with accounts of their stories.

Access to the Souge Memorial is arranged through the Association and is only possible with the army’s approval. Arrange your visit before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Pyla Sur Mer, Saint-Genès-De-Lombaud, Pauillac, La Lande-de-Fronsac, Le Bouscat, Gans, Fronsac, Le Verdon-Sur-Mer

Return to the main travel overview: Gironde.