Urban planning - Portraits of the Loire during the Renaissance 2/6

During the Renaissance, the Loire was at the heart of the life of the residents and the country's economy. People occupied and exploited the river, its banks and its bridges. Direct access to the water was blocked by the ramparts, but the banks were increasingly developed. Certain industries set up shop near the water for convenience.  

At the end of the 15th century, only eight bridges crossed the Loire between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire. The many installations (including drawbridges, houses, shops and public toilets) on the bridges made moving around difficult. Under the bridges, mills and fisheries were also created.