Publications
Life cycle assessment of active spring frost protection methods in viticulture in the Loire Valley and Champagne French regions
Wind machines and sprinklers emerged as the most environmentally friendly active spring frost protection methods (ASFPMs) for viticulture, outperforming antifrost candles and heaters in both the Loire Valley and Champagne regions. A context-specific life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed that while these technologies reduce climate change impacts, sprinklers notably increased water scarcity. Sensitivity analysis showed that instant ASFPMs like heaters exhibited greater variability due to high direct emissions during use, whereas infrastructure-based methods demonstrated more stable performance. The study highlights the importance of integrating context-specific factors—such as frost hours and local conditions—to accurately assess environmental trade-offs in viticulture.
Weakly Supervised SVM-Enhanced SAM Pipeline for Stone-by-Stone Segmentation of the Masonry of the Loire Valley Castles
A novel machine-learning pipeline, combining the Segment Anything Model (SAM) and Support Vector Machines (SVM), achieves highly accurate stone-by-stone segmentation of historic masonry with an 85% Dice coefficient. This approach automates the labor-intensive task of mapping stones and joints, critical for monitoring deterioration in monuments like Château de Chambord. The system leverages SAM's zero-shot learning capabilities while using SVM to classify segmented elements, allowing for adaptive segmentation through multiple SAM iterations based on remaining unsegmented stones. This scalable solution offers a promising tool for cultural heritage conservation, reducing the reliance on manual expert analysis and advancing restoration efforts.
How Can Collective Action Support the Agroecological Transition in Geographical Indication Vineyards? Insights from the Loire Valley Wine Area
Collective action, structured through polycentric governance and overlapping institutional frameworks, plays a pivotal role in advancing agroecological transitions in viticulture. A study of the Anjou-Saumur wine region in France's Loire Valley—where 80% of production is under protected designations of origin—revealed that dynamic interactions between top-down and bottom-up strategies, facilitated by key actors and tacit organizational rules, drive sustainable practice adoption. Applying Elinor Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development framework alongside Social–Ecological Systems analysis, researchers identified three focal action situations that coordinate efforts across temporal and geographical scales. This novel application of theoretical lenses highlights the potential for interdisciplinary strategies to accelerate agroecological change in French viticultural systems.
Impact of climate change on ‘Chenin blanc’ in the middle Loire Valley
Climate change is significantly altering the suitability of the middle Loire Valley for 'Chenin blanc' grape cultivation, with rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns threatening traditional viticultural practices. Research indicates that increased heat stress and water scarcity are likely to reduce grape quality and yield, posing challenges for UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes. The study employed climate modeling and viticultural assessments to evaluate the impact of projected climate scenarios on grapevine performance, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to preserve this iconic wine-producing region.
Landholding in the Loire valley and the late Carolingian economy (c.840–c.1000)
Small, fragmented farmsteads were the backbone of the late Carolingian economy (c. 840–1000) in the Loire Valley, according to a new study. Unlike large, unified estates held by the elite with royal patronage, these small parcels of land frequently changed hands through grants and leases, fostering agricultural development and economic growth. The research demonstrates that these transactions provided social and material returns for owners, contributing significantly to the dynamism of the period's economy.
The earliest unambiguous Neanderthal engravings on cave walls: La Roche-Cotard, Loire Valley, France
Researchers have uncovered the earliest unambiguous Neanderthal engravings on cave walls, dating back over 57±3 thousand years ago at La Roche-Cotard (LRC) in the Loire Valley, France. The discovery, made within a cave sealed by cold-period sediments for millennia, provides direct evidence of Neanderthal abstract design capabilities. The study used optically stimulated luminescence dating on 50 sediment samples to determine the cave's closure timing, confirming that the engravings predate the arrival of Homo sapiens in the region. Taphonomic, traceological, and experimental analyses further validated the anthropogenic origin of the non-figurative marks. All artifacts within the cave are characteristic Mousterian lithics, uniquely attributed to Neanderthals in Western Europe, reinforcing the conclusion that these engravings represent a significant advancement in our understanding of Neanderthal cognitive and symbolic behavior.
A Socio-Ecological Approach to Conserve and Manage Riverscapes in Designated Areas: Cases of the Loire River Valley and Dordogne Basin, France
A socio-ecological approach to conserving and managing riverscapes demonstrates success in integrating diverse stakeholder knowledge, fostering trust, and addressing conflicting interests. The study highlights the Loire River Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Dordogne Basin (France's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) as positive examples of transdisciplinary management. Key to their achievements are participatory decision-making, recognition of rivers' natural dynamics, and coupling social and hydrological systems. By analyzing stakeholder relationships, threats, and socio-ecological dynamics through case studies and content analysis, the research identifies best practices—such as moderation skills, ingenuity, and perseverance—that can be applied to other riverscapes. The findings underscore the potential for coordinated conservation in fragmented river basins and advocate for broader adoption of such approaches.
Exploration of cooperative management system of transregional cultural landscape heritage: a case study of Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
A transregional cooperative management system effectively preserves and revitalizes the cultural landscapes of the Loire Valley. This study identifies key actors and coordination mechanisms that enable local authorities and stakeholders to implement protection and development projects, influencing landscape evolution sustainably. By analyzing the Loire Valley's management framework, the research demonstrates how such systems can actively rehabilitate cities and territories while serving as a model for other transregional heritage sites.
A DNA barcode-based survey of wild urban bees in the Loire Valley, France
A DNA barcode-based survey of wild urban bees in the Loire Valley, France, reveals that 96.17% of the 157 bee species identified can be reliably distinguished using DNA barcoding alone, including several closely related and notoriously difficult-to-identify species. This finding underscores the potential of DNA barcoding as a robust tool for non-expert identification in biodiversity monitoring programs. The study generated DNA barcodes for 2931 specimens from 28 genera, with 172 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) assigned. Notably, 36 species (22.93%) were found in highly urbanized areas, highlighting the adaptability of wild bees to urban environments. The research demonstrates that DNA barcoding can facilitate accurate and rapid identification, which is crucial for understanding bee decline and conserving pollination services in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Loire Valley.
Links between size fractionation, chemical speciation of dissolved copper and chemical speciation of dissolved organic matter in the Loire estuary
In the Loire estuary, dissolved copper concentrations exhibit non-conservative behavior, with significant fluctuations linked to colloidal dynamics and organic matter interactions. Upstream of the tidal front (salinity S = 0.1), copper levels reach 80 nmol kg−1, likely due to agricultural runoff from vineyards, before dropping sharply at early mixing stages (S ~ 0.5) and rising again in low-salinity zones (S = 4.7). The study reveals that while humic substances dominate the complexing capacity of copper ligands (LCu), accounting for up to 95% in continental shelf samples, additional ligand classes—such as thiol-like and proteinaceous components—emerge in the inner estuary, potentially sourced from wastewater treatment plants. These findings highlight the critical role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in mitigating copper toxicity by keeping cupric ion activity below harmful levels for phytoplankton, while also identifying anthropogenic inputs that alter copper speciation dynamics.
Remote sensing of american maple in alluvial forests: a case study in an island complex of the Loire valley (France)
A groundbreaking study demonstrates that American maple (Acer negundo L.) can be detected with over 90% accuracy in alluvial forests using a combination of LiDAR data and very high-resolution multispectral imagery. The research, conducted on an island complex in the Loire Valley, France, reveals that coupling point cloud height standard deviation with a red-green-blue vegetation index effectively discriminates this invasive species from native Black poplar (Populus nigra L.) forests. This method offers a precise tool for monitoring biodiversity in riparian ecosystems, which are critical due to their unique topographic position between land and river. The findings highlight the potential of remote sensing techniques to enhance conservation efforts in these ecologically rich environments.
Tourism development at World Heritage Site: The case of Loire Valley in France
Tourism development at UNESCO World Heritage Sites faces complex challenges, as illustrated by the case of the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes. Despite its innovative management, the region grapples with issues such as short tourist stays, slow growth in visitor numbers, and uneven distribution among castles. The study reveals that the blurred role of World Heritage status in shaping destination perception further complicates tourism strategies. To address these challenges, authorities have employed a multi-faceted approach, focusing on governance and marketing, attraction development, and community synergy. This research combines quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive analysis of both the obstacles and strategic solutions in sustainable tourism management for cultural landscapes.
Typing winegrower profiles to ease agroecological change in viticulture practices in the Loire Valley, France
A typology of winegrowers in the Loire Valley, France, reveals distinct behavioral patterns that can guide agroecological transitions. This study, the first to quantify viticulture networks using socioeconomic and technical surveys, found that winegrowers within the same networks share similar non-harvest practices, such as vine density planting and bud counts. These profiles offer viable options for adapting to changes like climate change while aligning with sociocultural characteristics. The typology serves as a tool for agricultural extension services to personalize support for winegrowers, enhancing the effectiveness of agroecological transitions in viticulture.
Grand-Pressigny was not alone: Acquiring and sharing data about raw materials in the collective research project “Réseau de lithothèques en région Centre-Val de Loire” (France)
Despite the significant initial research on flint diffusion from the Grand-Pressigny site, establishing accurate correlations between archaeological objects and geological samples remains challenging. The collective research project 'Réseau de lithothèques en région Centre-Val de Loire' addresses this by assembling 30 researchers to create a comprehensive network of lithotheques (comparative collections), link depositional environments with flint properties, and disseminate knowledge. This collaborative effort aims to build a national and international community, fostering regular knowledge-sharing and technical expertise exchange. The project is part of broader French initiatives in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Aquitaine regions.
Landscape complexity perception and representation in a wine-growing region with the designation of origin in the Loire Valley (France): a cultural ecosystem service?
Complex, biodiverse landscapes in wine-growing regions can significantly enhance cultural ecosystem services, such as aesthetic appeal and consumer preference for sustainable practices. A study in the 'Coteaux du Layon' designation of geographical origin (DGO) region of the Loire Valley found that visitors highly valued landscape complexity, including soil management practices that support biodiversity, over traditional representations of vineyards or wine bottles. While winegrowers and tourism professionals primarily focused on promoting wine through conventional imagery, consumer preferences indicated a growing demand for sustainable, ecologically rich landscapes. This suggests that integrating agroecological measures—such as vegetation cover in soil management—into landscape planning could boost the attractiveness and sustainability of DGO regions while aligning with market trends.
Online Review Ratings and the Impact on the Number of Visits to a Tourist and Cultural Attraction: the case of the Loire Valley and TripAdvisor
A higher TripAdvisor rating significantly boosts both online and physical visits to tourist attractions in the Loire Valley, with each additional star increasing web traffic by 12.9 % and on-site visits by 8.3 %. The study tracked 104 major sites over a full year, combining server logs for website activity with official visitor counts from park management. It also found that browsing time on attraction pages rises as ratings improve, suggesting that positive reviews not only attract more visitors but also deepen engagement.
Multiple 3D Approaches for the Architectural Study of the Medieval Abbey of Cormery in the Loire Valley
A groundbreaking study of the medieval Abbey of Cormery in the Loire Valley has revealed construction elements previously unrecognized, challenging long-held assumptions about the abbey's architecture. Using a multi-scaled, diachronic approach that combines 3D modeling with traditional historical sources—such as written records, ancient maps, and iconographic documents—the research identified walls older than previously thought and provided new insights into the construction date of St Paul tower and its associated monastic church. Conducted at CITERES, this method leverages advanced 3D technology to produce detailed orthoimages and sections, offering a unprecedented level of precision in architectural analysis.
Figurative Art of the Loire Valley through the Prism of the Digital Humanities: ARVIVA and Sculpture 3D Projects.
Recent research on the figurative art of the Loire Valley (1470–1600) reveals a dynamic, interconnected artistic ecosystem that challenges traditional notions of regional schools. Using digital humanities tools, projects like ARVIVA and Sculpture 3D have uncovered new relationships between artists, patrons, and social networks in Tours during the Renaissance. By expanding the study period and leveraging augmented reality for masterpiece analysis, the research provides deeper insights into artistic evolution, patronage dynamics, and previously overlooked works. This approach redefines our understanding of Loire Valley art as a 'foyer'—a vibrant hub rather than a isolated school—and offers interactive visualizations to enhance scholarly analysis.
Anachrony and Identity in the Loire Valley Chansonniers
Loire Valley chansonniers, polyphonic manuscripts from the late 15th century, served as symbolic representations of noble identity for bourgeois owners seeking cultural and social ascension. These anachronic objects, blending elements from established types, were kept relevant through the editorial interventions of a unique copyist, the 'Dijon Scribe,' who managed their disrupted preparation. The study leverages theories by Nagel and Wood to contextualize how these manuscripts universalized noble ideals, catering to the aspirations of notaries and secretaries in the orbit of the French royal court.
The soil effects on the grapevine root system in several vineyards of the Loire valley (France)
Research on grapevine root systems in the Loire Valley reveals that soil water supply significantly benefits root development, while factors such as penetrometer soil strength, bulk density, and hydromorphic conditions hinder it. The study identified four distinct rooting patterns in Cabernet franc/SO 4 root-stock vines across different soil types, using statistical analysis to assess the influence of physical soil properties. This findings highlight the critical role of soil characteristics in vineyard productivity, offering insights into optimizing grapevine cultivation in UNESCO-listed regions like the Loire Valley.
Application of remote sensing techniques to discriminate between conventional and organic vineyards in the Loire Valley, France
Remote sensing techniques can effectively differentiate between conventional and organic vineyards, achieving a 91.4% success rate in identifying both viticultural methods and grape varieties in the Loire Valley. The study analyzed ASTER satellite imagery, focusing on spectral reflectance patterns influenced by chemical treatments and inter-row vegetation. Key findings indicate that conventional vineyards exhibit distinct spectral signatures, particularly in short-wave infrared bands, due to chemical impacts on leaf composition and structure. Organic vineyards, lacking these treatments, show different reflectance characteristics, highlighting the potential of remote sensing as an early indicator for viticultural monitoring. This approach offers a non-invasive method to assess agricultural practices, complementing field inspections or laboratory analyses.
Multiproxy approach for Holocene paleoenvironmental reconstructions from microorganisms (testate amoebae and foraminifera) and sediment analyses: The infilling of the Loire Valley in Nantes (France)
A multiproxy analysis of sediments and microorganisms reveals the Holocene infilling process of the Loire estuary near Nantes, France. The study found that the valley's sediment deposition began with gravels on a Hercynian substratum, followed by laminated clay-sand deposits influenced by increased input from the Sèvre Nantaise River. Estuarine fauna transitioned to marine as sea levels rose, slowing after 5850 cal. yr BP and leading to channel migration and erosion. Post-2100 cal. yr BP, testate amoebae dominance indicated continentalization, with recent sediments reflecting human activity. The research integrates foraminifera, testate amoebae, sediment size, and mineralogy to reconstruct environmental changes over millennia.
The Remarkable Life of Ansger, a Breton Monk and Poet from the Loire Valley Who Became Bishop of Catania in Sicily 1091–1124
Newly uncovered details reveal the remarkable life of Bishop Ansger, a Breton monk and poet from the Loire Valley who played a pivotal role in establishing the Latin Church in Arabic Sicily post-Norman conquest. Originally a monk at St. Florent of Saumur, Ansger undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem before ascending to the position of prior at St. Eufemia in Calabria. His distinguished career, spanning 33 years, included his appointment as the first bishop of Catania by Count Roger of Sicily and Pope Urban II, where he oversaw the construction of Catania's great cathedral church and contributed significantly to its cultural life. Ansger also likely facilitated the introduction of Latin abbeys from the Holy Land into Sicily. His legacy includes a notable 50-line rhymed testament, showcasing his poetic prowess.
Observation et modélisation spatiale de la température dans les terroirs viticoles du Val de Loire dans le contexte du changement climatique
Climate change is significantly altering temperature patterns in the viticultural terroirs of the Loire Valley, with projections indicating a decrease in frost risk by April but an increase in extreme heat events (>30°C and >35°C) during veraison and berry ripening. This study analyzed spatial temperature variability using regional weather stations and high-resolution modeling (RAMS at 5 km resolution), revealing that local factors can sometimes influence temperatures as significantly as larger-scale climate trends. Multicriteria modeling on the Coteaux du Layon vineyards identified key local drivers of temperature variability, while RAMS simulations reduced large-scale biases compared to ARPEGE-Climat (50 km resolution). The findings underscore the complexity and fine-scale nuances of climate impacts on viticultural regions.
Use of Production Practices and Sensory Attributes to Characterize Loire Valley Red Wines
Research demonstrates that production practices and sensory attributes can distinguish protected designation of origin (PDO) wines within the same geographic area, even under similar climatic and soil conditions. The study analyzed 33 commercial red wines from the Loire Valley, France, assessing factors such as vineyard training systems, harvest timing, winemaking techniques, and aging practices. Descriptive sensory analysis identified key attributes like color intensity, viscosity, blackcurrant aroma, and bitterness that differentiated these wines. Statistical analyses revealed significant relationships between specific production practices—such as the percentage of Cabernet franc grapes, leaf removal timing, and oak aging—and distinct sensory profiles. This finding underscores the nuanced role of production methods in shaping wine characteristics within well-defined terroirs.
Application of digital techniques in monument preservation
A comprehensive digital health record for monument preservation has been developed, offering a detailed diagnosis of structural degradation at the Château de Chambord in France. This approach integrates 3D modeling, photogrammetry, laser scanning, and historical archives to create a spatially referenced database that tracks deterioration patterns with high precision. The NUBES platform serves as the foundation for this health record, enabling real-time monitoring and restoration planning by associating degradation data directly with the monument's digital twin. This method enhances the accuracy of conservation efforts by combining in situ surveys with advanced imaging techniques and archival research.
Change in climate and berry composition for grapevine varieties cultivated in the Loire Valley
A significant shift from cool to temperate climate conditions occurred in the Loire Valley between 1960 and 2010, marked by increases in mean temperature (1.3 to 1.8°C) during the growing season (April–September). This warming trend, characterized by stronger rises in maximum temperatures and increased bioclimatic indices like the Huglin Index, correlated with earlier harvest dates. Concurrently, berry composition of six major grapevine varieties showed higher sugar concentrations and lower titratable acidity at harvest, linking these changes directly to rising temperatures. The study analyzed climate variables and berry composition data from six locations across the valley over 50 years, revealing a clear influence of climate change on viticultural characteristics.
Temporal and spatial analyses of temperature in a French wine‐producing area: the Loire Valley
A significant warming trend has been observed across the Loire Valley, a renowned French wine-producing region, with temperature increases recorded at all regional weather stations over the past 60 years. This study highlights that spatial variability in temperature and bioclimatic indices is more pronounced at local scales, particularly within vineyards, compared to broader regional patterns. Using a multi-scalar approach, researchers analyzed data from Météo-France's network and high-resolution temperature loggers placed within vine rows, including those in the sweet wine-producing Coteaux du Layon appellation. The findings underscore the complex interplay between climate change and viticulture, suggesting that microclimatic variations could significantly impact wine quality and vine phenology.
Les objets du Bronze moyen récemment découverts à Chalonnes-sur-Loire (Maine-et-Loire). Analyse typologique, environnement culturel et naturel
A recently discovered Middle Bronze Age hoard from Chalonnes-sur-Loire, France, reveals significant cultural and environmental insights. The 'Belvédère set' consists of 11 objects, including tools like chisels and flanged axes, as well as jewelry such as bracelets, dating to the Bronze B2 period (approximately 1500–1300 BCE). These artifacts show evidence of cultural links between the lower Loire Valley and regions like the Channel and North Alpine arc, differing from other known hoards in their fragmentation and mixed nature. The discovery suggests that Chalonnes-sur-Loire may have been a significant site for metalworking during this period, possibly influenced by nearby tin and copper mineralizations. This finding contributes to our understanding of Bronze Age trade networks and social structures in Western Europe.
Songs, Scribes, and Society: The History and Reception of the Loire Valley Chansonniers
A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the Loire Valley Chansonniers, a collection of medieval musical manuscripts, served not only as repositories of song but also as crucial social and cultural artifacts. These works, primarily from the 15th century, reflect the political and intellectual dynamics of their time, including the patronage of aristocratic families like the Dukes of Anjou. Jane Alden's study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining musicology, paleography, and historical sociology to trace the evolution of these chansonniers from their origins in royal courts to their dissemination among scribes and musicians. By examining reception history—how these works were interpreted and adapted over centuries—the research demonstrates their enduring influence on European musical tradition, particularly during the Renaissance.
Songs, Scribes, and Society: The History and Reception of the Loire Valley Chansonniers (review)
Jane Alden's 'Songs, Scribes, and Society: The History and Reception of the Loire Valley Chansonniers' offers the first comprehensive synthesis of scholarly work on five fifteenth-century French secular song collections—the Loire Valley Chansonniers—challenging long-held assumptions about their chronology. By integrating paleographic and codicological evidence, Alden argues that the Nivelle chansonnier should be redated to a later position in the sequence, displacing it from its assumed primacy. Her study also sheds light on the socio-cultural context of these manuscripts, identifying French royal court secretaries and notaries as key patrons. While her conclusions are not without controversy—particularly regarding dating and evidence interpretation—the work provides a significant contribution to understanding the production, ownership, and cultural significance of these musical artifacts during the late medieval period.
Sedimentary architecture of the Loire River drowned valleys of the French Atlantic shelf
A thick and complex Pleistocene coastal wedge, preserved in a fossil valley network offshore the Loire River estuary, has been identified through high-resolution seismic profiling. This system comprises three main valleys, 30 km long and 40–60 m deep, incised into Eocene sedimentary rocks lying unconformably on the South Armorican Massif basement. The coastal wedge is organized into six seismic units, representing a succession of colluvial, braided river, estuarine, fluvial, floodout marine sediments, and open marine bioturbated mudstones. These units are arranged in two depositional sequences bounded by a regional unconformity, with ages estimated to be Saalian (130–200 Ka) for the lower sequence and Weischelian (110–12 Ka) for the upper one, correlating with global sea-level changes. This study provides insights into the sedimentary architecture of drowned valleys on the French Atlantic shelf, linking offshore and onshore records to reconstruct past river incision and paleoenvironments.
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