Finally, it is accessible to boats and visitors. After ten years of proposals, studies and works, the port of Saint-Roch from Montargis (Loiret) From June 18, it offers optimized reception conditions and expanded mooring rings, thus guaranteeing increased attendance and revitalization of the waterway and, consequently, the local economy. With the development of urban spaces and the creation of businesses around the marina, Gâtinais intends to become a flagship destination for Venetian river tourism. All cost about 10 million euros, of which 5 million were met by the department and 2.4 million by the region.
With the capacity to accommodate about thirty small and medium-sized boats, the port of Saint-Roch thus strengthens the existing offer and diversifies the services available. Unlike the port of René-de-France, which was more oriented towards economic activity, this new port is mainly dedicated to voyageur tourist navigation, thanks to its proximity to the silos of the Gâtinais Agricultural Producers Cooperative (Caproga).
The harbor master’s office located in the new marina centralizes the management of all river infrastructure in Montargis, including the Tabarli and Patis bridges. Accessible infrastructure for short stays and long stays. Barge rides are also offered.
Significant economic benefits are expected
The department of Loiret, with the creation of a tea tourism product ” Loiret along the water », hopes to attract family and cycling tourism customers, especially from Île-de-France and Northern Europe. This product completes the “Loire by Bike” route, whose economic benefit is currently around €30,000 per km per year. Ultimately, the Loiret au fil de l’eau will provide a total of around 290 km of cycle paths, generating a potential economic benefit of €8.7 million per year for the region.
At the same time, other projects are being continued in the direction of beautifying the canals of the department and ensuring their safety. Restoration work at locks such as Vitry-aux-Loges, through which the Orléans Canal passes, now allows for unimpeded navigation in previously disused sections. Friendly rooms with benches and tables have been built, making the place even more welcoming. Once derelict, lock keepers’ houses are finding new life thanks to calls for projects that turn them into pubs, lodges or libraries.
It should be noted that the Olympic torch will pass through the Montargis marina on July 10. A number of measures are planned for this occasion.