From the prestigious to the unexpected
The Loire valley is the territory’s backbone. The Kings’ river along with its castles enjoy international reputation. But the Park members’ common interests are also elsewhere. Agricultural landscapes follow forests. In comparison to other Parks of France, the territory is rather urban. Its agriculture is a mix of cultivations and livestock farming. The large variety of landscapes and atmospheres all have things in common: tufa, shelly sand and slate are omnipresent both on small houses and on big castles. The territory offers great quality of life for residents and an unlimited playground for visitors…
Once upon a time …
Well aware of the assets and specificities of this interregional territory, the regional councils of Pays de la Loire and Centre initiate an association in the 1990s to prepare the future Regional Natural Park. At the time, two elected representatives particularly support this classification: Yves Dauge, senator of Indre-et-Loire, and Jean Bégault, deputy and mayor of Doué-la-Fontaine. The two men share a passion for the territory, knowing its potential. The Regional Natural Park is finally created in 1996.
From the very beginning of the project, the Park is perceived as an undeniable asset for the preservation of the quality of life and the dynamization of the region. In 2000, it actively participates in the inscription of the Loire valley as a World Heritage Site for cultural landscapes.
Ever since, the Regional Natural Park has been working to fulfil its missions by taking concrete actions. The Park has been encouraging innovation and experimentation on different subjects for years, such as the adaptation to climate change or the promotion of bio-based building materials. Today, some of them are main society issues.
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