Espace Naturel Sensible de la Save – Secteur des Étangs de la Serre





Located in the municipalities of Courtenay and Arandon-Passins, the Serre ponds constitute a Sensitive Natural Area of 42 hectares, composed of three ponds, woodlands, reedbeds, wet meadows and hedges.
The diverse habitats support a particularly rich array of flora and fauna, including several protected or endangered species. The reedbeds, in particular, provide breeding grounds and refuge for numerous birds, amphibians, dragonflies, and insects, while the wooded areas and hedgerows play a vital role in ecological connectivity. Preserving this biodiversity is one of the fundamental missions of this Sensitive Natural Area, managed by the Isère Department in partnership with the Balcons du Dauphiné Community of Municipalities.
Beyond its ecological significance, the site boasts significant scenic value and offers a prime location for nature discovery. A trail allows visitors to walk around the ponds and observe the changing landscapes and the species that find refuge there throughout the seasons. The ViaRhôna cycle route, which runs along the eastern edge of the site, provides easy access for visitors on foot or by bicycle and further enhances the exploration of this protected environment.
To reconcile recreational uses with the protection of natural environments, certain activities are permitted in designated areas. Fishing is thus practiced in several sections of the ponds, in compliance with specific regulations designed to preserve ecological balance.
Because nature should be accessible to everyone, the Serre ponds feature a specially designed trail for people with reduced mobility. This path provides easy access to several viewpoints overlooking the ponds and their natural surroundings, thanks to adapted facilities. Everyone can thus enjoy the site's rich landscape, observe the biodiversity, and experience nature in comfortable and safe conditions that promote inclusion.
Sensitive Natural Areas (ENS) constitute a network of remarkable sites protected for their ecological and landscape richness.
In Isère, 17 departmental ENS and 129 local ENS contribute to preserving an exceptional diversity of natural environments: wetlands, forests, cliffs, peat bogs, meadows and rivers.
This mosaic of ecosystems is home to specific fauna and flora, which it is essential to protect while also introducing them to as many people as possible.
Every year, from May to September, the Isère Department offers a program of outings led by its nature guides.
Free and open to all, they invite you to better understand how these environments function, to observe biodiversity throughout the seasons and to discover the actions implemented to preserve this exceptional natural heritage.
This site offers a route accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Located between the Étang des Dames and the Étang de Pisse-Vieille, this round trip route allows you to easily discover the landscapes and natural environments of the Sensitive Natural Area, up to a specially designed educational pond.
To offer a comfortable welcome to all, the site also has many adapted facilities: accessible picnic tables (including one that can accommodate up to four wheelchairs), accessible barbecues, dry toilets for people with reduced mobility (in season) and fishing stations for people with disabilities.
Location details
- In the countryside
- Pond less than 300 m
- Lake view
- On the outskirts of the city
- At the water's edge
- Path/cycle path less than 500 m
- Sensitive Natural Area
Visit
Language(s) of the visit
Opening
All year round, every day.
Subject to favorable weather conditions.
Prices
Services
Equipment
Services
Activities on site
- Animation
Home animals
Dogs are allowed on site but must be kept on a leash.





