The Maison de l’île aux oiseaux in Préverenges is an educational ornithology centre facing an artificial island on Lake Geneva. Here you can watch migratory birds at the mouth of the Venoge and learn about the species through videos.
Nature reserves and parks
Main highlights
- Birdwatching on a refuge island, with nearly 250 species recorded in twenty years
- Fixed telescopes free to use and information panels along the lakeside promenade
- Educational centre welcoming schools, the general public and groups for an introduction to birds
Overview
The Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island) is an artificial island created in 2001-2002 on the shore of Lake Geneva, in Préverenges, in the canton of Vaud. It offers waders, gulls, terns and other migratory birds a resting place away from the shore.
The site lies at the natural mouth of the Venoge. Located in line with the Rhône valley, it ranks among the main stopover sites for migrating waders in Switzerland. The Maison, built by the Cercle ornithologique de Lausanne, raises public awareness of nature conservation, climate and environmental impact.
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What to see and do
The island is on public land : you can watch the birds freely from the promenade, which is fitted with information panels. Two fixed telescopes, donated by the municipality of Préverenges, are free to use.
Over two decades, nearly 250 species have been recorded at the site, some of them very rare. Breeding species include the Common Tern, also known as the sea swallow, and the Black-headed Gull. Many migrants also stop over, such as birds from Africa that rest here before heading on to northern Europe.
The building is inspired by lakeside chalets and houses two telescopes. Inside, videos show the birds in their natural habitat, their behaviour and the characteristics of the species found at the site.
Practical information
Access : from the centre of Renges, head to the forest along the Venoge via the Chemin de Denges, then follow the river downstream to the lake.
Visitors : the Maison welcomes schools and the general public for an introduction to ornithology.
Guided tours : available on request for small and large groups.
On site : fixed telescopes and information panels.
Visiting tips
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, as birdwatching mostly takes place outdoors. Your own binoculars are a useful complement to the telescopes.
The spring and autumn migrations offer the greatest diversity of species. Early morning and late afternoon are when the birds are most active.
Nearby
- The Romanesque Church of Saint-Sulpice was built in the 11th and 12th centuries by Cluny Abbey, on the shores of Lake Geneva.
- Morges Castle, a 13th-century Savoyard square castle, houses museums on Swiss military history and the arts.
- The Maison de la Rivière, in Tolochenaz, combines a research station, a permanent exhibition and a nature trail.
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