The Etournel marsh is located in the communes of Pougny and Collonges and not far from the river Rhône. The park is especially designated for the conservation of marsh birds, fish and plants.

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You can download this map and a folder that contains more information about the park and the various plant and animal species you can find there here, only available in French.

Following the cessation of pebble extraction in 1990, the area has been recolonized by wet woodlands.

Spread over 190 hectares you will find woodlands, reed beds, ponds and meadows. Together this constitutes an essential reservoir of biodiversity and acts as an important stopover for migrating birds.

Walking around the 9 ponds, you are given plenty of opportunity to watch birds and other animals in their biotope. Nearly 210 different species have been observed nesting, wintering or stopping over while migrating. It is also the habitat for several mammals like beaver, deer, hare and polecat.

If you are very lucky, you can catch a glimpse of beavers in action. The beavers are night animals it is therefore more likely that you will find the result of their work. Beavers cut down threes for food and for building dams and lodges. Beaver teeth never stop growing so chewing wood helps keep them sharp and prevents them from growing too long

If you have a fishing rod, buy a licence and try your luck. Fishing is allowed in pond 1-6 of the 9 ponds.

The loops takes around one hour to finish. However when you visit, I will recommend you to not rush, but bring a picnic blanket, a thermos of coffee, binoculars and plenty of time.

If you want to read more about wetland biodiversity and why it matters you can find reading material in English, French and Spanish here.

If visiting between the 15th September and 15th November the park is closed for visitors between 18.00 and 08.00 every day. This is because this is the mating season for the deer, if you violate the visiting hours you might find yourself with a hefty fine.

Enjoy visiting Marais Etournel, and feel free to share!