History
The Grand Site de France Conca d’Oru, Patrimonio vineyard, Gulf of Saint-Florent
The process of promoting and protecting the Conca d'Oru region is part of a long history that began in 1968 with the recognition of the Patrimonio AOC, Corsica's first appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for wine.
Forty years of commitment
for an exceptional landscape
A history of cooperation and shared vision
Acknowledgement
national
A label
prestigious
Structured and collaborative management
Inauguration of the Maison du Grand Site de France in 2023
Renewal of the Grand Site de France label in 2024
A history of cooperation and shared vision
In the 1980s, the Department of Haute-Corse became actively involved in managing the coastline of the Gulf of Saint-Florent, which had been acquired by the Conservatoire du littoral (Coastal Conservation Agency). This momentum continued in 1999, when the municipality of Patrimonio and the Patrimonio Wine AOP Syndicate mobilised the State services on the need to preserve the vineyard's landscape. A steering committee, co-chaired by the Prefect and the President of the Haute-Corse Departmental Council, was set up. It drew on thematic working groups to develop a genuine sustainable land management plan. Thanks to this shared governance and the involvement of all partners, an application was submitted at the end of 2016 to obtain the Grand Site de France label.
Since then, the preservation and enhancement of the Grand Site have given rise to a continuous series of actions marked by rigorous management and growing recognition of the exceptional value of this territory.
National recognition
In 2014, the classification of the «Conca d'Oro and Patrimonio vineyards» site marked a major milestone. This heritage centre of the Grand Site has become the driving force behind a collective dynamic, bringing together elected officials, local stakeholders, government departments and representatives from the agricultural, wine-growing, tourism, cultural and environmental sectors.
A steering committee, co-chaired by the Prefect and the President of the Haute-Corse Departmental Council, was set up. It drew on thematic working groups to develop a genuine sustainable management plan for the area.
Thanks to this shared governance and the involvement of all partners, an application was submitted at the end of 2016 to obtain the Grand Site de France label.
A prestigious label
On 22 March 2017, the Grand Site de France Conca d'Oru, Vignoble de Patrimonio – Golfe de Saint-Florent officially obtained the national "Grand Site de France" label, awarded by the Minister for the Environment, Energy and the Sea, Ms Ségolène Royal.
This site has thus become, along with the Îles Sanguinaires – Pointe de la Parata, one of the first two Grands Sites de France recognised in Corsica. At the national level, it has been added to a select list of 17 sites that have been awarded the label.
Structured and collaborative management
Since 1 January 2018, the Grand Site has been managed by a joint association created specifically for this purpose. It oversees the implementation of the management plan and ensures compliance with the commitments associated with the label.
This joint association brings together the Collectivité de Corse (formerly the Department of Haute-Corse), the Nebbiu – Conca d’Oru Community of Municipalities, and the six municipalities concerned: Barbaggio, Farinole, Oletta, Patrimonio, Poggio d’Oletta and Saint-Florent.
This organisation guarantees shared, transparent and effective governance, serving to preserve, promote and enhance the reputation of this exceptional territory.
Inauguration of the Maison du Grand Site de France in 2023
In May 2023, the Maison du Grand Site de France will officially open its doors in Saint-Florent. This scenographic space is a meeting place, reception area and information centre for visitors wishing to discover the many treasures of the Grand Site area.
It is equipped with interactive multimedia displays presenting the various facets of the Grand Site de France (mosaic of landscapes, history, culture, agriculture, heritage, crafts, villages, coastline, festivals and traditions, etc.) through themed islands.
The Maison du Grand Site is also an educational tool intended not only for the general public but also for pupils from schools and colleges in the Nebbiu-Conca d'Oru area.
Renewal of the Grand Site de France label in 2024
On 21 May 2024, the Grand Site de France Conca d'Oru, Patrimonio vineyard – Gulf of Saint-Florent was renewed with the Grand Site de France label for a period of eight years.
This decision was signed by Mr. Christophe BECHU, Minister for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, and Mr. Hervé BERVILLE, Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity.
A new management plan has been drawn up, consisting of a multitude of actions and projects to be carried out until 2031, when the Grand Site de France label is due to be renewed again.