On the shores of Lake Annecy lies a rare, unspoilt area known as the Bout du Lac nature reserve. This wetland area is intersected by two rivers, the Eau Morte and the Ire, which feed into Lake Annecy. Situated to the south of Lake Annecy, this marshy region boasts exceptional biodiversity and is home to many common and rare plant and animal species.
With this blog post, we invite you to discover a nature reserve that is brimming with history and outdoor activities that will delight the occasional walker and seasoned hiker alike.
The History and Ecological Significance of the Reserve
The Bout du Lac National Nature Reserve is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, not far from the city of Annecy and its lake. Created by the French government in 1974 in order to preserve this rich but fragile ecosystem, the reserve plays an active role in conserving its natural heritage, which means working to protect, manage and raise awareness of this extraordinarily diverse environment.
Today, the Reserve covers 84 hectares spread over a number of public and private properties.
Fauna and Flora in the Nature Reserve
For over 20,000 years, the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve has borne witness to the evolution of the natural and wild environments on the shores of Lake Annecy. As a result of this, the park is now home to a particularly rich fauna: fish such as pike, perch and tench; passerines and wintering birds such as scaup, pochard and tufted duck, which all inhabit the reserve throughout the year. What’s more, the underwater seagrass beds ensure the continued presence of invertebrate species.
One cannot talk about the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve without mentioning the iconic European beaver, which was reintroduced to the Eau Morte river in 1972. In fact, several beaver families have now settled on the reserve. Last but not least, many reptiles, amphibians and butterflies can also be seen on this reserve, all of which contribute to the area’s biodiversity in their own way.
The flora is just as varied as the fauna, with the wet meadows containing rare species such as orchids (including marsh epipactis and military orchis) and lake reed beds, which are currently at risk due to the lake’s water level regulations and waves caused by boats.
Visitor Activities and Walking Trails
Annecy’s Bout du Lac Nature Reserve and its unspoilt wetlands can be explored on a trail that’s accessible to all. Starting in Doussard, the marked route takes about 50 minutes and covers a distance of 3.4 kilometres. This educational trail, which has been adapted for people with reduced mobility, allows visitors to explore a large part of the nature reserve and discover its environment by means of information posted along the way. What’s more, the signs you’ll come across during your walk have Braille translations for the visually impaired. A fun way to find out more about this extraordinary reserve!
As well as this, you’ll be able to discover logjams: piles of logs and branches that accumulate in certain places along the riverbed, which testify to the wild character of waterways and provide natural habitats for animals.
As well as the picturesque scenery you’ll encounter on this trail, you’ll pass by the medieval tower of Beauvivier, which has been restored and converted into an observatory. The trail can be accessed completely free of charge and is open all year round. However, in order to maintain a tranquil setting for the species that live there, pets are not permitted to join you. Please note that there are no water points or toilets on site.
How to get to the Nature Reserve
As mentioned above, the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve is easily accessible from Doussard via a signposted footpath, indicated by a beige metal sign with green lettering. What’s more, to make it accessible to everyone, the path has been made with a hard surface of tarmac, cement and wooden decking, so that people with reduced mobility can use it without encountering any difficulties. As well as facilitating access for people, the decking used on certain parts of the path allows small animals to move around easily, and prevents flora from being trampled.
To help you find its exact location, here are the relevant map references: TOP 25 IGN 3431 OT. You can also get there from the car park at the beach on Lake Annecy, which you can reach by car via the D1508 in the direction of Annecy, but the route is not adapted for people with reduced mobility.
To follow the main route, head for Doussard driving along the lake if you are coming from Annecy, taking the D1508 until you reach the road to the old church. From here, continue for around 200 metres and park in the reserve’s car park on your left. Along the trail, follow the signs for “Marais D’enfer”. The path loops back to the car park.
Come and discover the Bout du Lac nature reserve with us!
The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve is a picturesque wildlife park with a wealth of biodiversity that will delight visitors keen to discover this unique area of flora and fauna. If you’re interested in environmental and nature-related subjects, you’ll have a great time on the fun trail. Are you keen to discover Annecy’s nature reserve and lake? Why wait? To enjoy a break in the region, book your accommodation with Location Lac Annecy now. A well-deserved holiday is just a few clicks away!
