Marais breton, Protected wetland in Loire-Atlantique, France.
The Marais Breton is a wetland along the Atlantic coast that spreads across a large area and features a network of water channels and meadows. The landscape consists of gentle slopes and flat water surfaces crossed by embankments and pathways.
In ancient times the area formed the Gulf of Machecoul, a sea inlet that connected Noirmoutier to the mainland and gradually transformed into marshland. This long transformation created the wetland we see today.
The area is shaped by farmers who have raised cattle here for generations, managing the wetland according to methods passed down through time. This traditional use continues to define how the place looks and functions today.
You can explore the wetland on designated paths by foot, bicycle, or horseback, with observation points offering views of water birds. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when bird activity is highest.
The area contains a water management system with valves that regulate saltwater levels, allowing farming in terrain below sea level. This hidden infrastructure makes agriculture possible in this unusual setting.
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