They walked along the Loire levée, beside the river’s waters, as the evening light was fading, almost silently, just exchanging the odd word, as quietly as the murmur of the Loire, but stirring their souls..
Honoré de Balzac, A Woman of Thirty
ENCHANTING, GENTLE, CHANGING LOIRE LANDSCAPES
The Loire mirrors the sky
Inspiring, peaceful, powerful, ever-changing, enchanting… much of the time the Loire is deeply tranquil, inspiring reflection as well as exploration.
Walking or cycling beside the river, you get to study the Loire’s ever-shifting bed, entranced by its ceaseless motion…
A PROTECTED GREAT RIVER, PART OF THE EUROPEAN NATURA 2000 NETWORK
With the changing seasons, many islands appear and disappear along the Loire, creating fleeting habitats for wild flora and fauna.
Enjoying quietly contemplating the Loire, you may spot a grey heron with its long beak, an egret with its immaculate white plumage, a kingfisher with its dazzling colours, or even a European beaver, emerging from the waters at sunset.
THE LOIRE, ITS FISH AND FISHING
Until recent times, the Loire was navigable, as indicated by the remnants of toll bridges, quays and other vestiges. Today, the Loire is mainly used by fishermen and by boatmen sailing traditional Loire vessels.
Even today, the Loire offers excellent, abundant fishing opportunities, for carp, pike, chub, catfish, eel, lamprey and emblematic pike-perch, or sandre. A few professional fishermen as well as determined amateurs take on the challenge.
DISCOVER THE LOIRE FROM ALL ANGLES
Enough contemplating, time for action! Let’s not stray from our path… or maybe we should. After all, there are so many ways to explore the Loire. La Loire à Vélo is one of France’s most famous cycle paths. You can also hire canoes to get out on the water. Or embark on a traditional Loire boat.
An outing on a traditional Loire boat
You can hire canoes, starting at Langeais
So savour the marvels of the Loire and its valley, starting with its iconic châteaux, many looking down on the river’s waters from their green perches. What a unique spectacle they offer!