Sites of international importance

Three sites in the département have been awarded the RAMSAR label, an international recognition of crucial importance. More than just landscapes, these wetlands tell a story: one of fragile balances, abundant biodiversity and preserved riches. Ready to discover?

The Ain, land of exceptional Ramsar-labeled wetlands

The Dombes, a vast mosaic of man-made ponds, the Lavours Marsh, a living testimony to the interactions between water and land at the foot of the mountains, and the Bugey marshes and peat bogs, showcases of rare biodiversity, symbolize the essential role of wetlands in our ecosystem. These areas invite you to immerse yourself in a world where nature reveals all its complexity and vital role.

The Dombes A journey into the kingdom of ponds

The Dombes, which will receive the Ramsar label in 2023, plays a crucial ecological role. This vast network of over 1,200 ponds, shaped by man since the Middle Ages, is a vital stopover for thousands of migratory birds, particularly during the cold snaps of Northern and Eastern Europe. Here, water, light and morning mists offer a spectacle in perpetual motion, where the senses are awakened by birdsong and the rustle of reeds. For birdwatchers, observatories set up along the edges of certain ponds offer a unique view of this aerial ballet where flora and fauna cohabit harmoniously.

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The Lavours Marsh A gateway to the wild

The Lavours marsh, awarded the Ramsar label in 2024 by extension of a site, is one of the last large, preserved continental marshes in France. Located at the foot of the Grand Colombier massif, this site is home to exceptional biodiversity, including emblematic wetland species. A wooden footbridge winds through this living landscape, offering a sensory immersion experience: smell the marsh plants, listen to the buzzing of insects, and admire the dance of dragonflies. This marsh is much more than a landscape: it’s a testament to the fragile balance between water, earth and life.

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Marshes and peat bogs in the Bugey mountains The breath of earth

Awarded the Ramsar label in 2024, the marshes and peat bogs of the Bugey mountains are ecological gems nestled in the heart of the Jura mountains. With their 41 wetlands – peat bogs, marshes, glacial lakes – these varied landscapes are home to exceptional biodiversity and play an essential role in carbon storage and climate regulation. To enable visitors to discover these fragile environments without disturbing them, stilted trails have been set up, notably at the Vaux marsh, offering a close-up immersion in the local biodiversity. Educational panels along the way provide information on the plant and animal species present, as well as on the conservation efforts undertaken to preserve these sensitive ecosystems.

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Did you know? The Ain is the only department in France to have five rivers with the "Rivières Sauvages" label.

These unspoilt rivers flow away from human development, providing a haven for exceptional biodiversity.

The Valserine, the first French river to receive the label, famous for its spectacular falls and wild gorges.
The Dorche, a discreet but untamed torrent, winds its way down the Retord plateau between waterfalls and deep forests.
The Vézeronce, a natural setting where water has sculpted the landscape and given rise to the Pain de Sucre waterfall.
The Arvière, which flows through the geological curiosities and secret landscapes of the Valromey.
The Pernaz, a karstic river shaping natural basins and offering the vertiginous spectacle of the Luizet waterfall (100 m high).

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