At the Regional Conference of 29th September 2009, the Val de Loire Mission presented a report on the implementation of the “Loire Fleet and Ports” plan (study began in 2004 and was published in 2007), assessing the extent of efforts undertaken to develop the river within the area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.
In general,
Val de Loire local authorities, members of the Regional
Conference, committed to the "Loire Fleet and Ports" plan by
adopting the Loire Navigation charter, thereby showing that they
share common protection and promotion values in keeping with the
environmental and cultural quality of this living cultural
landscape.
The figures speak for themselves:
- Since 2006,
the number of traditional boats built by associations who sail
on the Loire has more than doubled, from 60 to 130. These
associations play a key information role (educational activities,
demonstrations of river craft).
-
23 passenger boats with a total capacity of 850
people now organise ecotourism services on the
river.
-
1,000 canoes are available for hire on
site.
New options combining cycle rides and boat outings are
emerging.
This diversity of activities is being maintained by
development projects and initiatives of the Loire ports run
by the main urban areas (like Orléans), rural villages (like
La Poissonnière and La Ménitré) and counties (like
Indre-et-Loire).
The Centre and Pays de la Loire regions, with help from the
State for the Plan Loire Grandeur Nature, are supporting this
overall drive through their respective policies (funding river
craft, regional policies).
Presented by the Val de Loire Mission, this report represents
the
expectations of local associations and villages around the Loire
so as to meet the demand of tourists and inhabitants who are
increasingly motivated to explore the Loire in new ways.
Navigation de loisirs en Loire