|  A
veritable labyrinth of islands and water, la Brière is the second largest
marsh land in France, after the Camargue. With its nearly 40,000 hectares
of peat bogs, ponds, and canals the National Regional Park is home to
an exceptional variety of animal life. As you walk through the park you'll
get a chance to see the "tourist" villages of Saint-Malo-de-Guersac
(lock-keeper's house) on the island of Fedrun, and the restored village
of Kerhinet. Since the 1500s, the 17,000 hectares of la Brière have belonged
to 21 independent communities. If you would like to wander off the "beaten
path", take a stroll through the hamlets of Pentille, Camerun, and
Mayun... But to get the most out of your visit to the park the best way
to go is by boat (chaland). These small boats are available for rent (with
a guide) in the little ports of: île de Fédrun (Saint-Joachim),
Port de Bréca (Saint-Lyphard), Port de la Chaussée Neuve (Saint-André-des-Eaux),
Port des Fossés Blancs (La Chapelle-des-Marais), Port des Prises
du Coin (Herbignac).
Information about your visit to the park :
-Price per person to visit the park on a "chaland" with a guide
(who propels the boat along with a pole) (or sometimes with a motor) 100
to 150FF. For more than three people, the price drops to 40F for each
additional person.
- If you'd like to see the park on foot, you can take advantage of the
many well marked trails. You can even take a three-day walking tour of
the Grande Brière. In the winter and spring, some of the trails
may not be accessible because they are underwater. |
France :