Les anciens méandres du Rhône, ENS de l'Ain

One of the first sites in the Ain to be awarded the "Espace Naturel Sensible" label.

On the right bank of the Rhône and at the foot of the first slopes of the Bugey, the vast marshes of Serrières-de-Briord are the direct result of the wanderings of the Rhône. Centuries ago, the Rhône passed through here all year round. When it receded, the waters were gradually covered by sediments, then by peat, giving way to marshy meadows and wet forests bordering the river, covering almost 90 hectares.

These environments, which are becoming increasingly rare in France today, are home to characteristic flora and fauna, such as the bladderwort, a carnivorous floating plant, and the reed warbler, a typical reedbed bird. They are a real biodiversity "hot spot", home to many remarkable and protected species: for example, the cistude tortoise, the beaver and the tree frog are all present on the site!

Since 2014, an interpretation trail has enabled visitors to appreciate the richness of this site on a 3km walking trail and a mountain bike trail. The Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels de l'Ain organizes free walks and events from time to time.