Regulatory protection of the coastline
Shoreline protection in France

The first measures to protect the coast really appeared with the concept of the maritime public domain, affirmed by Colbert's Marine Ordinance of 1681. Despite this protective measure, which was dictated by economic imperatives, it is striking to note that the coastline did not receive special treatment until very late on.

The notion of natural heritage gradually took shape at the beginning of the 20th century, no doubt with reference to and in parallel with the set of measures and provisions aimed at protecting architectural heritage. The demographic and tourism boom that the coastline has experienced over the last few decades has led public authorities to multiply protection measures, without it yet being possible to fully discern a genuine overall strategy capable of ensuring sustainable, coordinated protection of the shoreline.