In 1604, the first French colonists established themselves on the shores of the Baie Française (known today as the Bay of Fundy). Port-Royal therefore became the earliest French colony in North America. Quickly, the French colonists began construction of a system of dykes and sluice gates to reclaim low-lying tidal areas for agricultural use, earning them the nickname « les défricheurs d’eau ».
From 1604 through their expulsion at the hands of the British in 1755, the Acadians had extended their territory to include the entire length of the Baie Française. Numerous sites in the Annapolis Valley remain to mark the presence of these first Acadians.
The Grand-Pré National Historic Site and its famous landscape listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site allows visitors to learn more about the history of Acadia and more specifically, on the Deportation of the Acadians.
“ The Annapolis Valley is an unique region by its geography. Whether you like the forest, agricultural lands, the water, all these landscapes are within reach. The tourist attractions and the many activities available are also appealing: hiking, fishing, kayaking, horse back riding, wine tours or the visiting the Grand-Pré or Port-Royal National Historic Sites. ”
- Adrienne Demers, Past Executive Director of the Association francophone de la Vallée
To learn more (available in French only)
To discover
- Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
- Melanson-Settlement National Historic Site
- Fort-Anne National Historic Site
- Port-Royal National Historic Site
Contact
Association francophone de la Vallée
6 Bedford Road
Greenwood, Nova Scotia B0P 1N0
(902) 765-1078
