The Île aux Oiseaux in Préverenges: birdwatching by Lake Geneva

An island for the birds, by Lake Geneva

In Préverenges, along the beach, a small artificial island has been created to welcome migratory birds: more than 250 species have already been observed there. On the shore, the Maison de l'île aux oiseaux (run by Pro Natura) offers an educational centre, information panels and two fixed spotting scopes in free access, one of them adapted for wheelchairs. You watch the birds without disturbing them, free of charge, facing the lake and the Alps.

What your children will discover

Children put their eye to the spotting scope and discover ducks, stilts, terns and other water birds, sometimes from very far away. The panels tell the story of migrations and life on the island. It's a gentle introduction to observing nature, teaching patience and respect for animals, through the seasons.

What you do and the atmosphere on site

You stroll along the shore, stop at the spotting scopes and observe the island at your own pace. The atmosphere is calm and contemplative, ideal for slowing down. The Maison (open on certain days) rounds off the visit with its educational centre; the reserve and the spotting scopes, however, are freely accessible at any time.

Before you go

• Recommended age: as a family from age 3-4 (a curiosity about animals)
• Price: free entry (donations welcome)
• The Maison: open on certain days (Tue-Sun in summer; reduced hours in winter); reserve and spotting scopes accessible at all times
• What to bring: a windbreaker; the fixed spotting scopes are on site
• Accessibility: the promenade and one spotting scope adapted for wheelchairs
• Getting there: in Préverenges, Avenue de la Plage; bus + parking nearby
• Best season: all year round (migrations in spring and autumn)

Parents' tips

• The two fixed spotting scopes are free and in open access, at all times.
• The best sightings are during the migrations, in spring and autumn.
• Teach children to stay quiet so as not to frighten the birds.
• The Préverenges beach, right next door, extends the outing.
• Check the Maison's opening days on ileauxoiseaux.ch.

Useful information

• Address: Avenue de la Plage 49, 1028 Préverenges
• Official website: ileauxoiseaux.ch
• Price: free entry (reserve and spotting scopes accessible at all times)
• The Maison: open on certain days (see the website)
• Getting there: bus and parking nearby; promenade wheelchair-accessible

Why we recommend it

Because it's a free and original nature outing, by Lake Geneva: watching hundreds of migratory birds through a spotting scope, facing an island created for them. A lovely lesson in patience and wonder for children.

In a nutshell

An island created for the birds in Préverenges, with free-access spotting scopes and an educational centre — a free nature outing by Lake Geneva.