Saint-André-de-Corcy: Birdlife and History

Saint-André-de-Corcy offers nature watching, a marked walking route and historic landmarks from various centuries to help you plan your trip. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Saint-André-de-Corcy, these themes can shape your stay: the Observatoire du Domaine de Vernange focuses on the birdlife of the Dombes, the Circuit de l'étang des Vavres takes you on foot through the landscape, and the church, Poype and fish farming tell the story of the town.

Birdlife and walking route

The Observatoire du Domaine de Vernange is located at Étang Grange Volet in Saint-André-de-Corcy and offers the opportunity to observe the birdlife of the Dombes. Resident birds, summer migratory birds and long-distance migratory species can be seen there. Comparing the resident and summer migratory birds shows how differently the seasons shape the view of the birdlife. Long-distance migratory species add to this picture.

The Circuit de l'étang des Vavres starts at the Atelier 208 car park in Saint-André-de-Corcy. The 12.2-kilometre route passes through fields and woods and reaches Étang des Vavres, with its ducks, swans and extensive reed bed. This moderately difficult walking route takes approximately three hours; 65 percent of the route is paved, and the elevation gain is slight. The small elevation difference and the moderate difficulty rating describe different aspects of the route. Take both into account alongside the approximate duration, and check trail conditions before setting out.

A farmers' market is held at the trailhead every Sunday morning. If you would like to combine the walk with a visit to the market, plan for Sunday morning and check the date before your trip, as the schedule may change.

Church and historic landmarks

The former Romanesque parish church of Saint-André was first mentioned in 1092 and demolished in 1862. From 1862 to 1864, a new parish church was built on the same site to plans by Lyon architect Joseph Clair. The floor plan of the parish church of Saint-André is in the shape of a Latin cross. The term describes a cross-shaped layout with a longer main arm and a transverse arm. Saint-André-de-Corcy's origins are also linked to an older building: the 11th-century Château de Corcy is associated with the founding of the town.

Another historic landmark is the Poype de la Roussière. Of the five poypes in the present-day commune, it is the only one whose earthen mound has survived. The circular mound is eight metres high and covered with deciduous trees, mostly acacias. Its base is 40 metres in diameter, while the platform measures 15 metres across. It is dated to the 12th or 13th century; the site was inhabited until the 14th century. Its shape, dimensions and date give this earthen mound a different profile from the parish church, which was rebuilt at a later date.

Pond landscape and the Dombes

From the 13th to the 18th century, numerous ponds surrounded the two historic hamlets of Saint-André-de-Corcy. Pond management links the town to the Dombes, a major French region for freshwater fishing. Fish species include carp, tench, pike and roach; they are mainly intended for export. Alongside the landscapes of fields, woods and reeds, the use of the ponds is part of the town's history and character.

Discover more destinations: Poncin, Châtillon-Sur-Chalaronne, Versonnex, Chaneins, Hauteville-Lompnes, Dompierre-sur-Chalaronne, Ars-Sur-Formans, Thoissey.

For the broader travel overview: Ain.