The future of the archaeological sites of Chalain and Clairvaux is closely linked to the choices to be made concerning the future of these wetland areas. The status quo has allowed those involved to understand the problems of preservation and the need to minimize damage, if only temporarily. The question now is whether this zone should be given over to lighter forms of agricultural exploitation, or perhaps opened for tours along specially-constructed walkways.

The idea, floated at one point, of building a reconstitution of a "Neolithic village" within the archaeological zone should be completely ruled out, as it is incompatible with its historical monument status.

Reconstitution of a lakeshore village
at Unteruhldingen (Germany)

Photo © H. Reinerth.