Public Waterways Domain (DPF)

The Loire and its banks belong to the Public Waterways Domain (DPF), which applies to all national watercourses whose bed belongs to the State.

The Loire and its banks belong to the Public Waterways Domain (DPF), which applies to all national watercourses whose bed belongs to the State. From Sully sur Loire (Loiret) to Ponts de Cé (Maine-et-Loire), the Loire is managed by the State authorities. Downstream of Ponts de Cé, the Loire is managed by the public establishment  Voies Navigables de France . The managing body particularly ensures surveillance of the bed and levees, drafting of temporary occupancy permits, additional use agreements or approvals for events.  

Over and above the universal right of use, the occupancy or use of the DPF by the local authorities, public establishments or individuals must secure a temporary occupancy permit or be covered by a temporary occupancy agreement, subject to payment of a fee. The occupancy remains temporary and revocable in all circumstances. The activities concerned particularly include water abstraction and release, waterside leisure centres, fishing pontoons and bathing areas. In some cases, additional use agreements or shared management agreements can be signed with the local authorities to which, for a set period of time, the management and operation of the areas in question are transferred. The State retains ownership under such circumstances.  

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Water glossary