UNESCO

The Loire Valley, a monument of nature and culture

The Loire Valley has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on November 30th 2000; between Sully-sur-Loire (Loiret) et Chalonnes-sur-Loire (Maine-et-Loire), for 300 km.
This international acknowledgment pays tribute to a cultural river landscape, result of interactions between humans and the Loire over more than 2000 years of history. It has been shaped by four “cultures”: those of vineyards, gardens, stone (tufa stone and slate) and river.
A living cultural landscape
This vibrant cultural landscape is remarkable for the quality of its architectural heritage, its historic places – Orléans, Blois, Tours, Chinon and Saumur – and for its world-renowned châteaux: Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau etc.
The landscape of the Loire Valley also illustrates the influence of Renaissance and Enlightenment ideals on thought and creation in Western Europe.

For more information :
The UNESCO website: www.unesco.org
The  « Mission Val de Loire »: https://loirevalley-worldheritage.org/