How the Loire Valley Landscape is Changing

Tourists are rather inclined to think of places like the Loire Valley as timeless and changeless, but of course, they are working landscapes, with land use changing all the time. Sometimes it's for the good, especially with generational change and young farmers coming into the area with modern ideas of sustainability. Sadly, sometimes it is quite the opposite, with landowners changing the landscape in order to intensify farming practices. As your guides in the area, we won't shy away from talking about local issues and challenges, as well as proudly showcase successes and examples of best practice. We want you to retain your delight at all the beauty and history the Loire Valley has to offer, but not fall into the trap of treating it like a theme park. In our experience our clients are smart and engaged. They are interested in authenticity and the realities of life in modern France as well as all the romance and intrigue of its history.

 These pictures perfectly demonstrate the sort of thing we might talk about in terms of land use changing. In the top picture a track runs alongside a ditch and a wild natural hedge which forms a field boundary. In the field, natural native grassland is stocked with beef cattle or cut for hay. The farming is low intensity and sustainable. But below, on the other side of the track, the hedge has been removed and the land ploughed to plant maize. Biodiversity has plummeted and the farmer is using bigger machinery and applying more synthetic fertilizer and pesticides.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.