Accueil Discover Nature and gentle mobility The Loire Valley: a UNESCO world heritage site
THE LOIRE VALLEY: A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND THE MAISONS DE LOIRE
Since 2000, 280 km of the Loire Valley, from Sully-sur-Loire (Loiret) to Chalonnes-sur-Loire (Anjou), has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition makes it the largest French site listed as such. It is a land of nature and culture; its “living cultural landscapes” were shaped by both the Loire River and human intervention, and are home to the majestic Loire châteaux and the emblematic towns of the Loire Valley. Come and discover an authentic region, where the art of living reigns supreme.
JF Souchard – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
TOWNS AND CHÂTEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY, WORLD HERITAGE
UNESCO has honoured this entire region, with its rich cultural heritage. Orléans, Blois, Tours and Chinon are all cities of art and history. Not to forget the prestigious Loire châteaux, symbols of the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment. The châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau are well-known and recognised monuments.
The Loire Valley is also considered “an expression of human creative genius”. And there have been many geniuses! Starting with Leonardo da Vinci, who lived at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise.
Although they are not part of the Val de Loire UNESCO World Heritage site, the cathedrals of Bourges and Chartres are also well worth a visit.
INTERACTION BETWEEN HUMANS AND NATURE RECOGNISED BY UNESCO
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The Loire, a river of wild beauty, seduces with its reflections, mysterious islands and ever-changing sandbanks.
All around it, life has developed: the lives of many plant and animal species, but also those of human beings. They are bold, and have managed to tame the Loire Valley and make the most of it. The surrounding land produces the exquisite Loire Valley wines, formerly traded via the royal river, a major trade route.
THE MAISONS DE LOIRE: FOR THE LOVE OF A RIVER
The Loire, majestic and capricious, is home to a wealth of wildlife that is really worth discovering. This mission lies dear to the hearts of the Loire Valley’s three Maisons de Loire. Take advantage of the multitude of activities on offer: walks from island to island with professional guides, observations of flora and fauna, guided workshops and exhibitions.
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The Maisons de Loire all have the same goal: to share their passion for the Loire. Pay them a visit and the royal river will open up to you! Each of them offers a similar range of activities: nature tours with a guide, permanent and temporary exhibitions, workshops for all ages, etc. Let them introduce you to the life of the Loire through history: its interactions with humans, its involvement in trade, its biodiversity, its wild islands, and more.
MAISONS DE LOIRE – DISCOVERING THE LOIRE LANDSCAPES
- The Maison de Saint-Dyé-Sur-Loire (Loir-et-Cher) is home to an astonishing 115 m² of interactive exhibits. Entitled “Renaissance of the Loire”, the exhibits combine scenery and lighting effects with audiovisual, sound and sensory shows and educational games. Immerse yourself in the heart of the events that have marked the history of the Loire and discover the natural and cultural dimensions of the river. With the Loire Observatory (Loir-et-Cher), experience the Loire, its history and its riches. From morning to dusk, hop on board a traditional boat to learn more about this magical river. Lights, atmosphere, heritage: a truly natural experience in the heart of Blois!
JF Souchard – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
- At the Maison de Jargeau (Loiret), book a Loire tour with a professional guide. As lovers of the river, you will feel truly privileged. On foot, by canoe or by bike, observe the sandbanks of the Loire from near or far, including birds and beavers, and if you’re lucky, the setting sun.
- At the Maison de Montlouis-sur-Loire (Touraine), traditional Loire boats are featured in the permanent exhibition “Loire boats and the river region”. A 3-metre model of a Chaland boat highlights the glorious era of the Loire, when it was a major hub of river trade.
