Loire levees : from « turcies » to « Plan Loire » project, eight centuries of evolution

Abstract

The first Loire levees were constructed in the 12th century along the Authion valley close to Saumur. Until the 19th century, the agriculture and navigation development required the extension of the dikes system. Devastating floods in 1846, 1856 and 1866 dramatized the need for improvements in flood control. Dike enlargement was not the only solution. To avoid breaches, nineteen overflow weirs were planned in 1867 along the river between Nevers and the Maine river confluence. Only seven were erected. 150 years later, despite the Villerest dam, adaptation and improvement of the Loire levee system is always topical.