Last year, a full-day canoe trip down the Loire brought together fellows and team members. To offer the 24-25 fellows an equally memorable experience, a new descent will take place on June 22!
The first edition, held at the end of May last year, was a truly exceptional moment—both for the beauty of the landscape and the authenticity of the exchanges. The outing, originally scheduled earlier, had to be postponed due to flooding of the Loire. As a result, participants were treated to an even more spectacular sight: the river overflowing both its minor and major beds—a rare and majestic phenomenon at that time of year. This powerful and awe-inspiring natural setting added an epic dimension to the day.
For most participants, it was their first time navigating the Loire. Discovering this legendary river from the water was truly enchanting: the smells, sounds, and colors of the river—so different from those experienced on land—captivated every sense. The local flora and fauna, observed up close, deepened the immersive quality of the experience.
Guided by Mélanie, whose passion for the Loire dates back to her childhood, the group explored the history and ecosystem of the river. Her intimate knowledge of the region and its unique features made the outing all the more enriching and personal.
Photos taken during this first edition capture moments of genuine connection and shared joy—smiles and peaceful pauses in the heart of a preserved natural landscape.
This year, we are thrilled to renew this adventure. Scheduled for June, this event will bring together this year’s fellows as well as some team members. However, this edition features a special detail: the departure will take place at the foot of the Maison Julien Gracq, a place the fellows had the pleasure of visiting during the welcome week last October. In this way, the circle is complete: we return to this iconic location to start our canoeing journey down the Loire, linking this inaugural visit with the adventure of the canoeing day.
As last year, Mélanie will be at the helm, guiding participants through the waters of the Loire with enthusiasm and passion. It will be an opportunity for everyone to (re)discover the Loire in a new light and to enjoy the collective energy.
Last year's edition left a lasting memory, both for the beauty of the Loire landscape and the quality of the exchanges it fostered. More than just a canoeing outing, this day provided an ideal setting for meeting, discovering, and sharing a moment of pause, away from the usual rhythms. It fully reflects the spirit of what the Institute seeks to cultivate: moments of respite where human connections, attention to the environment, and the joy of being together take center stage.
