la briere
The Briere Regional Park was officially created on October 16th 1970. It is second in size only to the Camargue as a French wetland park and has been inhabited since the stone-age. It has an area of 40,000 hectares and a population of 50,000.
La Briere is famous for the diversity of its wildlife, with 180 recorded species of bird, 72 of which nest locally. Visitors to La Chaumiere have recorded nuthatch, tree creeper, woodpecker, marsh and montague harrier, herons, egrets, kingfisher and many more. The photographs below were taken at the Pierre Constant reserve, about 10 minutes drive from the cottage.
Nineteen species of mammals have also been recorded, the largest of which is the muskrat. Bats are also attracted to the insects that congregate around the street lights of the Isle de Mazin.
There are paths leading into the marshes, but the best way to see the area is by punt (le chaland).
As you might expect, fishing is a feature of La Briere. There are all the usual freshwater fish and catfish has also been introduced. Enthusiasts may also encounter the black bass, a sports fish imported from America.
There are many small towns and villages to explore with their traditional houses, churches and restaurants.
Click here to visit the Parc's own website which gives details of where to visit, eat and walk and also where to hire traditional barges, barouches and bicycles to tour the area.