Lac de Grand-Lieu

In the heart of the Pays de Retz, lies one of the largest lakes in lowland France, Lake Grand-Lieu. In connection with the Loire and the marshes of the estuary by the river Acheneau, hydraulic operation is atypical. The result of natural conditions and management of water nearly three centuries old.

The lake has a variety of settings. The center has an open water area of 800 ha, area of ​​perch and roach. Around this area, over 1800 ha, has developed a unique floating meadow in France with Nuphar Nuphar yellow and white, water chestnuts or limnanthèmes beautiful golden yellow flowers. In addition, reedbeds overgrown forests Floating willow and alder on more than 1700 ha forests remind tropical aquatic. Finally, a crown of groves and meadows, moors and woods natural complements this set unique.

The face of the Grand Place is changing dramatically with the seasons. In winter, it becomes the largest lake plain of France, bordering the meadows are flooded and offer abundant food for birds, especially the 20,000 wintering ducks. Water lilies and reed beds disappear, deserted by migrating herons parties, are transformed into dormitories for the Wagtail, thrushes, starlings, cormorants. In spring, large aquatic plant grow, forests and floating reed beds attract thousands of birds, including white spoonbill. The meadows, grazed or mowed, are also a breeding and feeding.