The Brière Marshes

The second largest marshland in France after the Camargue, the Marais de Grande Brière covers 20,000 hectares of protected nature and living heritage. For centuries, the inhabitants have lived in harmony with their environment, between canals, meadows and thatched cottage villages.

The village of Kerhinet, in Saint-Lyphard, bears witness to this Briéron way of life. Restored by the Parc Naturel Régional de Brière, this pedestrianised hamlet in the heart of nature has an authentic feel, with thatched-roof houses. Here, you can take the time to meet the craftsmen and producers, and listen to the history of the region as told by those who bring it to life.

From Bréca to Herbignac, the Brière reveals its many faces. Water is everywhere, creating a network of canals that reflect the clouds. The hills emerge like green islets, home to thatched cottages and vegetable gardens.

Gliding along the water in a barge driven by a passionate guide, discovering the medieval château of Ranrouët in Herbignac, exploring the paths in a horse-drawn carriage or on a bicycle: every moment connects man to nature. In the Brière region, tradition is not static – it expresses itself in gestures, stories, festivals and the transmission of a unique collective heritage.

The more curious can take part in a themed outing: nature photography, discovering migratory birds or an introduction to traditional fishing. The Marais de Grande Brière is not just a living ecosystem, but also a shared culture, deeply rooted in the daily lives of the Brière people.