D’un trésor à l’autre : randonnée pédestre nature autour des étangs de Courtenay

Tirieu is home to a significant vernacular heritage: fountains and bread ovens stand alongside the imposing stone houses of this picturesque hamlet. A fortified house from the 14th century is still visible. A firmly rooted local belief would have it that this building
belonged to a commander of the Order of Malta.
According to local legend, the Moors passed through the hamlet in the 8th century, leaving behind a treasure. Before leaving in a hurry, they declared: "Courtenay, we leave you richer than Paris and Lyon!"

1- From the parking lot, take the road on the left and stay right at the next intersection. Go around the large farm, the road climbs gently.

Very pretty view of the Salette pond and the village of Courtenay.

After passing the few houses of Fézillère, arrive at the hamlet of Piarday.

2- Turn left towards the Billonnay ponds. A little further on, leave the road and continue straight ahead along a wide path to the signpost "Étangs de Billonnay". Head into the woods on the left towards Pré Pelat.

Come out onto a meadow then go down the path, which is stony in places, and continue until you reach a fork.

Very beautiful panorama of the Alps.

Leave the track on the right and take the path on the left until you reach the road. Cross it to take the path opposite. After 50 m, turn left onto the track and follow it to the "Pré Pelat" signpost.

Continue to take the road that goes down to Tirieu.

3- At the first houses, cross the crossroads and take the Chemin du Ru opposite. Once at the
“Tirieu” post, follow the direction of the Salette pond. At the fountain, continue to the right.

Then take the Chemin des Verchères which goes off to the left. At the last house the road
turns into a track. After a slight climb, turn left 300 m further on. Continue until
a milestone, turn left, the path follows the edge of the wood. Turn left when entering the wood.

Continue through the meadows until you reach the road, which you follow to the right. At the first track, turn right.
left towards the By pond. Go along the pond to the road, follow it to the right
to the Salette path which takes us back to the parking lot.

With its 43 listed ponds, 32 of which are home to heritage species or habitats, Courtenay is the commune with the richest bodies of water in Isle-Crémieu. Among them, the Salette pond stands out in particular. Located to the west of the town, along the
departmental road 140, this site offers a vast expanse of water, invaded by rushes in summer, creating a very particular landscape.
The Salette pond is an exceptional site for its biodiversity, home to remarkable flora and fauna. This environment is home to 20 heritage species, including 15 endangered birds, such as the marsh harrier and the little bittern.
This pond is a privileged refuge for birds, particularly during wintering and migration periods.
Dragonflies are also well represented, with three rare species. Amphibians, such as the tree frog and the European pond turtle, two protected species, complete this richness.
For the more curious, the Salette pond is equipped with an observatory that allows you to enjoy this fragile and preserved environment, in complete discretion.