Marais de l'Etournel, ENS de l'Ain

Between the Jura massif and the Rhone river, the marsh of Etournel is embraced by the Rhone river and consists of old woods, reedbeds, ponds and meadows.

The Etournel marsh, upstream from the Ecluse parade, concentrates migratory flows of birds, drained from the entire Swiss plateau and especially for raptors (Peregrine Falcon, Honey Buzzard, Circaète Jean-le-Blanc or Black Milan).

Ponds of ancient gravel pits depending on the dynamics of the river, these vast expanses of water with dense reed beds offer a wintering area and exceptional stopping place in Rhône-Alpes: with 2/3 of the wintering ducks in the area, and 240 species reported including 80 breeding. This site is also recognized as having a Community interest under NATURA 2000 for its biodiversity.

It is also an important slab site. Coming from the high chain of the Jura, the male Elaphe deer join the females gathered in herds in the alluvial forest of Etournel during the rut (called the slab). The hoarse and powerful cry of France's largest deer echoes for miles around from mid-September to mid-October. An Inter-Prefectural Biotope Protection Order regulates attendance during these periods.

An ambitious work program was conducted from 2017 to 2019, in particular to channel attendance. An interpretation trail accessible to all and a part of all handicaps was inaugurated in 2019. This trail allows to discover the riches (accessibility for the ill and blind and people with reduced mobility).

The entire site is protected by an Interprefectory Order for the Protection of Biotope (AIPB): signs recalling all the regulations are available on site. For example, swimming is strictly prohibited on all ponds, such as access to reed beds and banks of the Rhone. Dogs must be kept on a leash. No fire, camping or noise, etc.