International audienceThe granting of heritage status of maritime and fluvial river in the region of Pays de la Loire (France) takes parts in the revitalisation of local identifications. Whether they are associations, companies or still local authorities, the recognition of tangible and intangible heritage consists in their preservation, valuation and transmission. Using empirical materials (promotional and institutional documents, interviews, law), this article puts in perspective different strategies for the heritage recognition of maritime and river assets. Two case studies (Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie maritime harbour Vendée, and the Nantes to Brest canal, Loire-Atlantique) illustrate the infl uence of this new heritage recognition, espec...