Marais Olonne
The Marais Olonne is more than one of the Marais Salant or salt marshes that can be found all down the Atlantic Coast from Guerande, north of the Loire, to the Ile d'Oleron in the Charente Maritime, it is an area of outstanding natural interest and an area important in the fishing industry.
The Marais Olonne lies north of Les Sables d'Olonne and continues northward to just south of Brem-sur-Mer, centred around the village of Ile d'Olonne and takes in the communes of la Bureliere and la Salarie. The rivers of Auzance and Vertonne both flow through the marshes.
Back in Roman times this area (Gulf de Olonne) was covered by the sea with the off shore islets of Vertone running from what is now La Chaume northwards to the mouth of the River Vertonne at la Gachere. Gradually the gulf silted up and the islets were stabilised with the planting of pine trees forming the 'foret d'Olonne'. In these times the Romans visited the then port of Olonne-sur-Mer to collect salt so important for food preservation.
Through the middle ages the marshes developed with the area being of great importants for fishing as well as salt production, the area being attacked by Vikings, Normans as well as pirates and other nations all after the "white Gold" as salt was referred to as.
With modern ways of producing and refining salt the trade fell into decline and all but disappeared and the marshland were only used for fishing, however there was a resurgence in the interest in salt from the marais due to its flavour and quality and an interest from holiday makers. 10 years ago the community bought and renovated two marshes for rent to new young "sauniers" (salt producers).
Possibly the most important feature of the Marais Olonne is that of its natural habitat for both flora and fauna. The sheltered saline waters are home to plants like Salicorne, obione and soude. The rich marine life is very important for both the many species of bird that live and breed on the marais, but also for the thousands of waders and other migratory birds that stop off here in the late autumn on their way south.
The Marais Olonne lies north of Les Sables d'Olonne and continues northward to just south of Brem-sur-Mer, centred around the village of Ile d'Olonne and takes in the communes of la Bureliere and la Salarie. The rivers of Auzance and Vertonne both flow through the marshes.
Back in Roman times this area (Gulf de Olonne) was covered by the sea with the off shore islets of Vertone running from what is now La Chaume northwards to the mouth of the River Vertonne at la Gachere. Gradually the gulf silted up and the islets were stabilised with the planting of pine trees forming the 'foret d'Olonne'. In these times the Romans visited the then port of Olonne-sur-Mer to collect salt so important for food preservation.
Through the middle ages the marshes developed with the area being of great importants for fishing as well as salt production, the area being attacked by Vikings, Normans as well as pirates and other nations all after the "white Gold" as salt was referred to as.
With modern ways of producing and refining salt the trade fell into decline and all but disappeared and the marshland were only used for fishing, however there was a resurgence in the interest in salt from the marais due to its flavour and quality and an interest from holiday makers. 10 years ago the community bought and renovated two marshes for rent to new young "sauniers" (salt producers).
Possibly the most important feature of the Marais Olonne is that of its natural habitat for both flora and fauna. The sheltered saline waters are home to plants like Salicorne, obione and soude. The rich marine life is very important for both the many species of bird that live and breed on the marais, but also for the thousands of waders and other migratory birds that stop off here in the late autumn on their way south.
| Vendee Information Vendee History Accommodation, Photos, Reviews, Maps, |
|
Sud Vendee.. Haut Bocage.. Coastal Region.. Marais Poitevin.. Marais Breton.. Bas Bocage.. Plaine.. Marais Olonne..
© Copyright Vendee-Guide.co.uk 2009
