Blois Region Landscape Plan

In step with landscape dynamics

The landscape is a key strategic principle of Blois Region's territorial coherence plan (SCoT). The landscape plan approved by Agglopolys in 2016 supports the roll-out of the SCoT and the ongoing delivery of the intermunicipal local urban development plan (PLUi). It enables operational consideration of the OUV.

Background

Back in 2012, the intermunicipal association of the Blois urban area (SIAB) decided to revise the territorial coherence plan (SCoT) focusing on landscape identity, by launching a Landscape Plan in 2013 alongside the SCoT. 

Mission Val de Loire was involved in drafting the strategic section bearing on World Heritage aspects. 

Aims

• Uphold the landscape identity of the Blois Region as the cornerstone of the territorial project;
• Shore up an existing commitment to the landscape;
• Define a project based on grassroots participation;
• Define a territorial project in relation to the OUV;
• Adopt a multidisciplinary perspective of the territory to grasp its full complexity

Delivery

The Landscape Plan approved in 2016 was drawn up by the landscape engineering firm Folléa-Gautier, with assistance from the agency Maîtres du rêve and photographer Patrick Delance. It is the fruit of extensive consultations with locals (INRA Blois/Landscape Department surveys, photo competition, landscape analyses) as well as the involvement of elected representatives and local government. 

The urban area community and Mission Val de Loire, in conjunction with the SIAB, also convened an expert panel (historians, archaeologists, geographers, heritage architects, local government) for a historical assessment of how these landscapes came to be formed. This collegiate work culminated in the identification of the OUV component parts and recommendations to be set out in the programme of actions of the Landscape Plan.  

Outcome and outlook

Six guidelines underpin delivery of the Landscape Plan, including the one bearing on the Loire Valley World Heritage implications: "magnify the natural and cultural legacy of the valleys, forests, parks and châteaux". These guidelines are taken up in the SCoT, particularly in the specific guidelines of the DOO (Guidance and Aims Document) bearing on the Unesco aspects, but also in the PLUi.  

Agglopolys has implemented the first measures of its Landscape Plan, including: 

• Project to enhance the Vineuil pipeline and its interpretation panel as a mediation tool to understand the sweeping landscape
• "Streets-gardens" call for proposals aimed at regreening the city thanks to three levels of street plantation.
• Participation in the Nature and Landscape Biennial where communication was devoted to the Landscape Plan and the way in which heritage is factored into territorial action.