Description:

The Marais Poitevin has become the seventh ‘Grand Site’ of France, as classified by the Commission supérieure des sites. 

Ministers approved the award on 20 May, although the initial announcement came as far back as November 2009.  The label recognises the outstanding beauty of the area, and lasts for a period of 6 years.

Also known as the Venice Verte (Green Venice), the Marais Poitevin actually lost its status as a Regional Natural Park twelve years ago, after poor management of the area meant quality was compromised.  But five years of hard work and 7.5 million euros of investment later, and the image of the marshes has gone some way towards being repaired.

3500km of waterway channels and conches have been restored, and 800km of cycle tracks have been created, leaving the 49,000 hectare site classified with the Grand Site label.

The “Grand Site de France” label guarantees that the site is conserved and managed following sustainable development principles, which combine the conservation of the landscape, the ‘spirit’ of the site, the quality of the visitors' experience is welcomed and the participation of the inhabitants and partners in the life of the Grand Site.   The other 6 ‘Grand Sites’ are:

L’Aven d’Orgnac (2004)
Bibracte Mont-Beuvray (2007)
La Pointe du Raz, (2004)
le Pont du Gard (2004)
Le Puy de Dôme (2008)
Sainte Victoire (2004)

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