The lônes, with their stagnant waters, present rich ecosystems and are often the subject of preservation initiatives. Many are thus protected by a biotope preservation order or, at the very least, a European Natura 2000 classification.

They are made up of habitats that are particularly favorable to biodiversity: alluvial forests, shrubby willows, eutrophic stagnant fresh water, hydrophyte meadows and reed beds.

In the Avenières sector, the very gentle slope of the Rhône bed has led to the formation of sand or gravel banks. These may have disappeared during a flood or, enlarged by other deposits, they were gradually transformed into islands.
Between these islands, arms gradually cut off from the main channel have become backwaters or “lônes”, quiet spawning grounds for fish.

Discover this timeless universe by canoe (contact for service providers on request from the Avenières Veyrins-Thuellin Tourist Information Office). Warning: disembarkation on the islands is prohibited.

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