La Gravière aux Oiseaux in Mably

de fr

The Gravière aux Oiseaux estate covers nearly 30 hectares on the banks of the Loire. It comprises two ponds designed for walking, birdwatching and exploring the wetlands in all seasons.

Details

n°5003207
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 1.40 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 13 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 13 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 866 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 846 ft
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Description of the walk

From Bonvert, take the road to Cornillon until you reach the gravel pit on the right. Park in the car park.

(S/E) From the car park, follow the path to the left of the ‘Gravière aux Oiseaux’ welcome sign.

(1) At the fork, follow the signposts on the right towards the maze and the gravel pit building. Once you’re nearby, turn left towards the observatory and the educational pond.

Retrace your steps and continue left along the path running alongside the meadow.

(2) Turn left onto a boardwalk to reach the observation hides. Then climb up onto the Loire embankment and continue to the left.

(3) Turn left to come down from the embankment and pass between the two ponds.

(1) Carry on to the right to reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 860 ft - Gravière car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.1 - alt. 863 ft - Maze. Junction of the circular loop. Towards the - La Loire
  3. 2 : mi 0.52 - alt. 860 ft - Observation points
  4. 3 : mi 1.15 - alt. 860 ft - Turn left
  5. S/E : mi 1.4 - alt. 860 ft - Gravière car park

Notes

Car park: Toilets and water available on site (during opening hours).

An observation point and hides allow visitors to explore the flora and fauna of the river, ponds, reed beds and pools.
The barn and cowshed of the old farm have been restored and converted into a visitor centre. Traditional techniques and materials (rammed earth, timber framing and roofing, and the use of wood) have been prioritised to highlight its heritage value.
A wide range of activities and exhibitions (including aquariums) bring the building to life.

Open from April to the end of October:
- outside school holidays: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm.
- during school holidays: every day from 2 pm to 6 pm

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
jean-claude.calte
jean-claude.calte

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A short family walk with beautiful views and facilities for birdwatching. The banks of the Loire are unspoilt and the water is crystal-clear.

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labombardellaz
labombardellaz

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 21, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route follows the ‘Gravière aux Oiseaux Discovery Trail’, which is signposted from the welcome sign by the Gravière visitor centre, which is closed from November onwards.
Few birds are visible at this time of year apart from a few herons and a large colony of cormorants.
The entrance to the car park from the Route de Briennon is not easy to spot, as it is indicated by a small white sign, attached to two other identical signs marking local place-names, situated well before the site and not particularly eye-catching.
It is best to approach it from Bonvert via the Cornillon road, as indicated in the description.
This route must be particularly pleasant in the warmer months.

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LoloDelolo
LoloDelolo

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 22, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Depending on the season, birdwatchers can enjoy some wonderful sightings.
Children can get quite close to the various species; a simple pair of binoculars will do the trick.

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