36 “windows on the Loire” in the Blois agglomeration

A great many walking itineraries have been created alongside or near the Loire over the last ten years (greenways, cycle paths, hiking trails, etc.). However, overgrowth of plant life (trees and bushes) on the banks often hides the river from their users. 

Agglopolys carried out the “Windows on the Loire” study in 2013, identifying vista clearings along the Loire that should be improved or created. The approach taken combined a landscaper’s viewpoint with that of a naturalist, while also focusing on upkeep of the public waterways domain with regard to flood prevention. 

The study identified 36 windows to be maintained in good order (by regular attention to plant life) or created (through felling trees, pruning and clearing) along the right and left banks of Agglopolys’ stretch of the Loire, and also included recommendations on priority action. 

Download:

• Map of 36 windows to maintain or create
• Map of vista clearing priorities along the Loire

Agglopolys is starting initial work in 2014, in the municipalities of Ménars, Saint-Denis-sur-Loire and La Chaussée-Saint-Victor. Work will only be carried out in winter months so as to disturb protected species as little as possible, birds in particular. In addition, the service provider selected will be using tools specially designed to limit impact on natural milieus: no heavy machinery, with operations carried out largely by hand. 

On the web:

• Des percées visuelles pour valoriser les paysages ligériens (Agglopolys, Communauté d'Agglomération de Blois)
• Fenêtres sur Loire pour mieux la voir (La Nouvelle République, 18/02/2014)