The site consists essentially of a series of discontinuous wetlands separated from the sea by a dune cord. The site also includes the coastal marine strip and its sandy beach as well as the dune belt. This complex is very well known as a stopover site for coastal migratory birds, but it is also the subject of various operations: agriculture, livestock, oyster farming, saltworks, fishing, tourism.

The site plays a major role in the recharge of the groundwater table and includes a dozen types of habitats, including three main types of wetlands (coastal lagoons, salt marshes and fresh/brackish water marshes). The complex is of major importance for the wintering and the passage of several remarkable bird species (endangered or vulnerable): Marmaronetta angustirostris, Platalea leucorodia, Pluvialis apricaria, Pluvialis apricaria, Himantopus himantopus and Numenius arquata.