Les anciens méandres du Rhône, ENS de l'Ain

One of the first sites to be labelled as a Sensitive Natural Area in the Ain.

On the right bank of the Rhône River 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. Several centuries ago, the Rhône passed through here throughout the year. When it receded, the water was gradually covered by sediments, then by peat, leaving marshy meadows and wet forests on the river's edge, covering nearly 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" and are home to many remarkable and protected species: for example, the cistude turtle, the beaver and the tree frog are all present on the site!

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