New-Aquitaine: Operation Grand Site and Grands Sites de France (surfacing)

The concept of “big site” originates from public policy designed more than thirty years ago (1976) by the state in some of the most famous and popular sites. The aim was to restore the qualities that had made the place famous, and to welcome the many visitors while preserving the integrity and beauty of the site. Since then, some 50 metropolitan territories have engaged in a voluntary and partnership approach alongside the state and other communities: the “Operations Grand Site”. They result in concrete improvements, such as rehabilitation of degraded areas, improvement or creation of reception facilities, etc. So far, 21 of these territories have been awarded the “Grand Site de France” label, recognising the quality of the management of these protected landscapes.