Where to go birdwatching in the Dombes?

Grand Birieux Pond Observatory

Just 6 km from the Bird Park, Grand Birieux is one of the largest and most prestigious ponds in the Dombes.
It is home to many species of birds, which can be observed from the new observatory, built in 2021.

Located in the heart of the Dombes region, in the middle of a Natura 2000 zone, classified a departmental Sensitive Natural Area in 2014, the Grand Birieux Pond estate covers an area of 148 hectares and is home to a wide variety of bird species.

Please respect the site and the protected fauna present by remaining discreet. Please do not bring your pets into the observatories.

Circuit de Randonnée en Dombes proche de Lyon

Walking tourBirieux

A walking itinerary between Saint-Marcel and the Grand Birieux Pond sensitive natural area. Don’t forget your binoculars!

11.3 km
3h walking loop
Difficulty: Medium

Caution: 700 meters on the D2 departmental road!

Walking tourChaneins - Valeins

From the village of Chaneins, discover the Sensitve Natural Area of Prêle Pond and its ecosystem. Several châteaux are visible, including Chaillouvres on the edge of the pond, and you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the Beaujolais region.

14.0 km
4h walking loop
53% tarmac

Prêle Pond Observatory

Located in Valeins, Prêle Pond offers a magnificent natural landscape of reeds and greenery where you can enjoy the natural riches of the Dombes.

A parking lot and two picnic tables are at your disposal.

Discover with your family the riddle game Panic at Prêle Pond, on sale at Châtillon Tourist Office.

The Chapelier Pond Observatories

Take the time to birdwatch in Versailleux from the two observatories located on the banks of the Chapelier pond, where two picnic tables have also been installed.

Chapelier Pond is home to numerous bird species likely to nest or make a migratory stopover here, such as scaups, grebes, coots, herons and egrets.
This major pond is a key fish farming site and also plays an important role in the Dombes network of large ponds.

Walking tourVersailleux

Set off from the village of Versailleux to discover the typical Dombes landscapes: this itinerary offers a beautiful panorama of the Girardier pond, the Château de Joyeux standing behind its pond, and the Chapelier pond (sensitive natural area). Mainly on tarmac.

11.5 km
Mainly on tarmac
Accessible to mountain bikes

Walking itineraryMonthieux

The Dombes and its thousand ponds offer visitors an unexpected landscape teeming with birdlife.
This hike takes you to the Sensitive Natural Area of Vernange where you’ll find an observatory.

7.3 km
2h20 walking loop
Easy – 25% tarmac

Domaine de Vernange Observatory

In Monthieux, discover the Grange Volet pond on the Vernange estate. Throughout the seasons, the site is home to numerous species of migratory birds (waders, purple herons…).

On this site in the heart of the Dombes region, walkers can appreciate the diversity of the Dombes landscape, as the estate features a combination of ponds, wetlands, wooded areas and farmland.

Turlet Pond Observatory

Located in Villars-les-Dombes, this observatory is very easy to reach. The pond is home to numerous species of birds including herons, egrets, ducks and swans.

The observatory, located opposite the Bird Park, enables walkers and visitors to enjoy the wealth of birdlife in the Dombes.

The icing on the cake: this is an ideal spot to watch the sun setting over the pond.

Observatories