THE LAKE OF GREAT PLACE
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Lake classified as a nature reserve, fed by several rivers, protected by its reed beds in Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu
Considered the largest natural lake in France and one of the largest in Europe, Grand Lieu Lake is classified as a nature reserve and is fed by several rivers: the Ognon, the Boulogne and its tributary the Logne, where the water level fluctuates constantly. Its surface area is reduced by half in summer and its depth varies from 2 meters to 1 meter, hence the major ecological issues raised by its preservation. The lake is a privileged environment for the fauna and the flora, since one finds there not less than 270 species of birds, 19 species of reptiles and batrachians, about fifty mammals and 30 species of fish of which the eel of Europe. The lake area is also home to 250 species of plants and 220 species of algae; 8 plants of the Grand Lieu lake are internationally protected. Most of the lake is covered with floating grass beds.
It is a secret lake, protected by its reed beds, which has given rise to many legends, in particular that of a sunken city, Herbauges, whose bell tower can be heard ringing on Christmas Eve. Passay, a fishing village, is the only possible access to the extraordinary ornithological reserve of the lake which presents the largest heronry in France. To appreciate the serene beauty of the place, one must climb to the top of the church of Saint-Lumine-de-Coutais or go to the site of the Pierres Aiguës in Saint-Aignan-de-Grand-Lieu. The lake was classified in 1995 as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention.
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Plusieurs espaces d'observation facilement accessibles.