Marais de Lavours National Nature Reserve
Marais de Lavours National Nature Reserve, National nature reserve near Culoz-Béon, France
Description
Marais de Lavours National Nature Reserve is a protected wetland area in southeastern France covering nearly 500 hectares of marshes, ponds, and water channels. The landscape features layers of peat soil beneath the shallow waters, creating distinct ecological zones that support birds, amphibians, and water insects.
History
The site formed roughly 15,000 years ago when the melting Rhône glacier created a vast proglacial lake in this valley. Over millennia, sediment accumulation and vegetation decay gradually transformed this water body into the marshy landscape visible today.
Culture
Since the 12th century, local communities have used these marshlands for livestock farming, with traditional hay harvesting during summer months for vine mulching and cattle bedding.
Practical
A wooden boardwalk measuring around 1,200 meters winds through the marsh and remains accessible throughout the year, with trailheads near Culoz and Ceyzérieu. The path offers several observation points where visitors can pause to watch wildlife without disturbing the habitat.
Did you know?
Grazing animals including Highland cattle and several horse breeds have managed the vegetation since the 1980s, creating a living landscape that develops through their natural movement and feeding. This approach keeps the ecosystem balanced while avoiding heavy machinery that might damage the delicate peat layers.
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The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region offers a mix of nature and history. Walking paths lead through valleys and past waterfalls, while medieval castles stand on hilltops and ridges. Volcanic peaks rise from the landscape, and caves open into the earth below. You will find the Massif Central, alpine...
Culoz
1.8 km
Château de Montvéran
2.5 km
Viaduc de Culoz
2.4 km
Maison de Boigne
3 km
Maison Gallet
2.2 km
Église Sainte-Appolonie de Chanaz
3.1 km
Église Saint-André de Ceyzérieu
3.2 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Béon
2.9 km
Église Saint-Martin de Culoz
2.6 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Lavours
2.2 km
Chapelle du cimetière de Ceyzérieu
3 km
Église de l'Assomption de Vions
3.1 km
Town hall of Ceyzérieu
3.2 km
Town hall of Culoz
2.3 km
War memorial of Culoz
2.4 km
Town hall of Lavours
2.3 km
War memorial of Ceyzérieu
3.2 km
Château de Lavours
2.2 km
Town hall of Béon
3.1 km
War memorial of Béon
3.1 km
War memorial of Lavours
2.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Miséricorde de Chanaz
3 km
Cemetery cross of Ceyzérieu
3 km
Cemetery cross of Lavours
2.2 km
Cemetery cross of Béon
2.7 km
Passerelle de Chanaz
2.8 km
Musée gallo-romain de Chanaz
3 km
Cemetery cross of Culoz
3.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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