CHAUTAGNE Natural heritage

Attention: open in a new window.

Chautagne - patrimoine-naturel

Discover a nature and landscapes where marshes alternate with poplar forests, vineyards with farmland, from the shores of river and lake to the top of the Haut Foug mountain range.

Nature is ever present and protected in an exceptional environnment between water and countryside. The poplar forest and wetland form a rich site where, in the course of their rambling or cycling, nature lovers can watch birds and rare animals

Ideas for exploring the Wetland

sentier_sur_pilotis

The maison du marais in Cézérieu in the neighbouring Ain offers a fascinating visit to the heart of Lavours wetland peat bog. Take a walk on the pathway on piles with or without a guide to discover the history and the flora and fauna of the swamp. The pathway is being renovated at present; only half the circuit is open to visitors. The Chautagne Poplar forest the largest in Europe is home to a wealth of flora and to an unsuspected fauna. Flora in the wetland includes some of the most threatened species in France.

The Lac de Bourget, the Savière Canal and the Rhône being the southern and western limits of the Chautagne, why not explore the Wetlands from a boat!

Boat trips

Cruise on the Lac du Bourget, along the Canal de Savière or the river Rhône to discover the Chautagne from its lake and waterways. Several tours give you the opportunity to sail along the untamed shores of the lake with a stop to visit Hautecombe Abbey.

A trip down the canal to visit the pretty village of Chanaz will charm lovers of old stones and local heritage.

And don’t forget to go through the lock to reach the Rhône. These boat-trips can be for a half-day, a day or even for an evening cruise. 2 companies : Bateaucanal.

With the happy marriage of land and water come a large range of leisure and sports activities. A wealth of landscapes are waiting to be explored by young and old.

For a pleasant day outdoors

Enjoy a range of outdoor activities at the Fier Sport and Nature recreation area set in a 75 acre park. The whole family can discover the Rhône riverside fauna and flora along the birdwatching path.

The laziest can settle for bathing, while the more active can bike or rollerskate around the speedtrack, swing from tree to tree on the forest acrobatic course or canoe on the Rhône. Never a dull moment at the Sport and Nature recreation area.

From this site canoe trips on the Rhône with or without a guide are a means of exploring the riverside and its surroundings. You can also canoe from Chanaz to the lake.