The Dranse Delta nature reserve

Description :

Access directly from the campsite to one of the nine nature reserves of Haute-Savoie: the last lake delta remaining in the wild on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Observe a still preserved environment, home to nearly 750 plant species, including orchids, nearly 200 species of birds (a major European migration route) and beavers also installed on its banks.
End your walk at the mouth of the Dranse (2nd tributary of the lake after the Rhône), where you can admire the view of the immensity of the lake and the Swiss bank.

In summer, guided tours are organized every Wednesday morning and Thursday at dusk by the Thonon tourist office.

Access from the campsite :

Direct access: take the turnstile on the lake side, at the end of Allée des Jonquilles.

Detailed description :

From the turnstile, take the interpretation trail on the right, until you reach a wooden observatory, which overlooks the small lake of Saint-Disdille. Many birds are present (especially in spring, a major European migration route). You have the option of continuing the path to the right and walking alongside the campsite until you reach a dry and stony moor. Otherwise, retrace your steps and follow the direction of the mouth of the delta. Along the way, try to spot the trunks gnawed by beavers.

At the mouth, admire the immensity of the lake and the beautiful view of the Swiss bank, before retracing your steps. The flora of the site is very rich and brings together nearly 800 species, or around a third of the Haute-Savoie flora. Three groups stand out and coexist. First of all the southern species, in particular the 23 species of orchids. Then we note the presence of numerous subalpine mountain species, such as the fluted bellflower. Finally, cultivated and introduced species which do not correspond to the local flora such as the opium poppy or the tomato.

Summary sheet

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