Paid
ABYSS — Archery Publier
Publier
Archery in Publier near Évian: coached intro sessions, regular classes, one-off sessions. Gear included, from age 8.
Free · Open access
Dranse Delta Nature Reserve
Wild Dranse delta on Lake Geneva between Thonon and Publier: reedbeds, beaches, alluvial forest and water birds.
At a glance
Type
National nature reserve
Access
Outdoor · year-round · free trails
Price
Free
Duration
1h30 to 3h
Best season
Spring, autumn, winter for birds
Town
Publier (and Thonon-les-Bains)
💶
Price
What is Dranse Delta Nature Reserve
The Dranse Delta National Nature Reserve, created in 1980, protects the only remaining wild delta on the French shore of Lake Geneva. It covers about 53 hectares straddling the communes of Publier and Thonon-les-Bains, at the mouth of the Dranse river.
It hosts a mosaic that is rare in the alpine plain: pebble ridges, beaches, reedbeds, alluvial forest and backwaters. The Dranse deposits sediment every year, constantly reshaping the delta. It is a major stop on the European migration corridor with over 200 bird species — pochards, goosanders, great crested grebes, herons, geese and even passing ospreys. The forest is home to roe deer, wild boar, beavers and beautiful dragonflies.
Several free trails let visitors explore from Publier (Amphion side) and Thonon (Vongy side): loops of 1 to 4 km with observation points. The reserve is managed by Asters, which offers guided outings in season. Free year-round access; dogs, swimming, cycling, fires and bivouacs are forbidden in the reserve.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Several access points: Amphion-les-Bains (Publier, 74500) on the west; Vongy / route de la Dranse (Thonon-les-Bains, 74200) on the east View on map
Coordinates
46.3811, 6.5181
Phone
Asters — CEN 74: +33 4 50 66 47 51
Official site
https://www.cen-haute-savoie.org
Hours
Open access 7/7, year-round
Booking
None; sign-up for guided outings on the Asters website
Duration
1h30 to 3h depending on the loop
Parking
Amphion and Vongy car parks nearby (free)
Accessibility
Natural flat trails, family-friendly; some wet sections after rain
Audience
Families, birdwatchers, photographers, schools (with supervision)
Languages
Panels and brochure mostly in French; FR/EN documents from Asters
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy: A41 + A40 to Annemasse, then D1005 toward Thonon, about 1h15. From Geneva: D1005 along Lake Geneva to Thonon, about 50 min. Amphion access via the N5 at Publier.
Open in MapsPublic transport
SNCF Évian-Thonon-Annemasse line, stops at Thonon or Évian, then local buses to Amphion or Vongy.
Open in MapsBy bike
Via ViaRhôna (EV17) along Lake Geneva: an ideal route combining the delta and Amphion beach.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Year-round. Winter and migrations (March-May, September-November) for birds; summer for the cool alluvial forest.
Events : Asters guided outings and lectures in spring and autumn; Fête de la Nature in May; Lake Geneva clean-up days.
Winter
Winter season
Winter access window
Not specified
Winter infrastructure
Not specified
Snow panorama
Not specified
Equipment mandated
Loi Montagne II — winter tyres or chains required (1 Nov – 31 Mar)
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Photos
Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access paid?
No, the trails are free year-round.
Can I swim there?
No, swimming is forbidden in the reserve. The neighbouring Amphion municipal beach is open for swimming in season.
Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs are forbidden in the reserve even on a leash, to protect wildlife.
Can I fish there?
Fishing is strictly regulated and forbidden in parts of the reserve; check with Asters and the fishing federation.
Are there observation points?
Yes, observation areas and interpretation panels are dotted along the trails.
When can I see the most birds?
Winter for thousands of wintering water birds, and spring/autumn for passage migrations.
How to combine with Thonon?
The delta is 10 min by car from central Thonon: pair Château de Ripaille, lakeside and delta in one day.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
Nearby
Nearby
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Château de Ripaille
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Le Salève (Col des Pitons)
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Highest road pass on Le Salève at 1,335 m. Spectacular views of Mont-Blanc, Lake Léman and Geneva. Free access for hikers and cyclists year-round.