Les Marais de Saint-Jorioz, archaeological site in Saint-Jorioz, France
Les Marais de Saint-Jorioz is a wetland area near Lac d'Annecy with extensive reed beds, shallow water, and soft, boggy ground. The site has narrow walking paths that wind through vegetation and connect to a small landing area, offering views across the marshes where water birds rest and feed.
The site shows evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period, more than 5000 years ago, when pile-dwelling villages were built along the shores. Archaeological finds including pottery and tools reveal that different alpine groups used and traveled through this zone.
The marshes have been shaped by local customs of harvesting reeds and plants for practical use over many centuries. Today, they remain a quiet space where visitors can observe how the wetland supports birds and other wildlife in their daily activities.
The site is accessible from a parking area, with a flat walking path of roughly 4 kilometers round trip to the landing area. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be soft and muddy, especially after rain, and the path is narrow but well-marked.
The area was formerly known as Marais de l'Enfer, possibly named after the pile structures that once extended underwater. This mysterious name echoes the rich history of the place, though the true origin remains unclear.
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