France
Things to DO
Parc Naturel régional de la Brenne
The Parc Naturel régional de la Brenne is an 1,672 km2 large regional nature park located in the French department of Indre.
The area is known for its many artificial fishponds. It is nicknamed "the land of a thousand ponds", but research has shown that
there are a total of 3.254 ponds of various sizes. Due to the absence of intensive human activity and the many fishponds, it is an
attraction for various birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
The park is cut in two by the river Creuse. Through the southern half flows the river Anglin. Historically, the southern
part of the regional park is not really part of La Brenne. This part is called "La Petite Brenne".
 |
|||||
|
During the Middle Ages the Brenne was a swamp. Legend has it that the monks of Méobecq and Saint Cyran started
landscaping the marshes during the 8th century, clearing the land and building dykes to improve the local habitat. They introduced
fish farming to improve the drainage of the region and provide for their long term future. The Lords of Brenne completed
this renovation during the 13th century with the help of local farmers. With poor soil for harvesting crops, fishing initially became
the main economic activity of the region.
Originally constructed in the late 12th century, the Château de Romefort it was built by the lords of Romefort to defend the
region. The castle underwent significant modifications during the 14th and 15th centuries, reflecting the evolving military architecture
of the period. In the 16th century, it was further remodeled into a Renaissance-style residence. Romefort Castle is located in Ciron
on the banks of the Creuse.