Servas: Forest and water landscapes of the Dombes

Servas lies entirely within the Dombes. Wooded plateaus, ponds and rivers shape the area; a short nature trail and a seasonal farm visit also offer specific points of interest for planning your trip. The rail connection to Bourg-en-Bresse and Lyon may also play a role in deciding on Servas. This makes it possible to tailor your stay to very different interests, without combining forest, water, an excursion and travel into a single itinerary.

Forest, water and protected landscapes

The wooded plateaus are characterized by oaks, hornbeams and chestnut trees. Ponds and rivers are also part of the landscape of Servas. Forest and water are therefore equally characteristic of the surrounding area: when choosing your destination, you can consider whether this combination of different landscape features appeals to you.

The area of Servas includes the Natura 2000 protected site Site de La Dombes. It encompasses habitats, fauna, flora and birds and is designated both as a Site of Community Importance and as a Special Protection Area. Servas is also covered by the ZNIEFF designation Étangs de la Dombes, Types I and II.

A short nature trail in Bois du Suc

Bois du Suc has an 800-metre family-friendly nature trail with illustrated information boards about bees. Its length gives you a concrete measure if you would like to include a short walk in your trip plans; the boards provide a clear focus. Check local conditions before your visit.

Bois du Suc is a 3-hectare plot within the roughly 15-hectare Bois du Grand Pâquier forest. The figures refer to different scales: 800 metres refers to the trail, while the hectare figures refer to the plot and the larger forest. This makes it possible to distinguish the length of the nature trail from the extent of the named forest.

Farm visit and snail farming

Le Domaine de l’Escargot offers a seasonal guided farm visit in Servas. It includes information about snail farming, a children’s game and a tasting. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to plan a visit. The experience combines an introduction to snail farming with activities and a tasting, without requiring you to overlook the surrounding area’s nature attractions.

The family-run farm in Servas, between Bresse and Dombes, has been raising Gros Gris snails (Helix aspersa maxima) since 2010. This is distinct from the seasonal visitor offering: the farm visit dates are what matter for your plans, while the information about snail farming describes the business.

Travel by train

TER line No. 32 connects Servas with Bourg-en-Bresse and La Part-Dieu station in central Lyon. The journey takes 10 minutes to Bourg-en-Bresse and 55 minutes to La Part-Dieu. Check the timetable before travelling to make sure the connection works for your travel date. The two destinations and journey times provide a concrete guide for planning your trip; your travel dates and the connections that actually suit you remain key when choosing accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Miribel, Lhuis, Blyes, Thil, Chevillard, Servignat, Bohas-Meyriat-Rignat, Ambérieu-en-Bugey

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