Nature and biodiversity
Promoting the landscapes of Val de Loire
The cultural landscapes of Val de Loire have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 2000. These cultural landscapes result from man’s adaptation to the constraints of nature. Winegrowers have adapted to the geology and relief inherent to the hills of the Loire, while builders have constructed castles upon the plateaus. Towns and villages spread across the fertile plains of the Loire and its tributaries. Fishers and sailors have taken advantage of the Loire to develop their businesses on this major route through the heart of France.
Still today, the Loire is considered the last wild river in Europe. Its frequent rises sometimes flood the surrounding valleys, while islands appear in periods of drought. Birds and mammals nest and feed there, including the beaver, heron and egret. All year long, the Tourist Office offers tours and activities promoting nature and the biodiversity of the Loire’s landscapes.
