CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with France’s Centre-Val de Loire at the Secretariat Chennai on Tuesday for cultural exchange and efforts to boost tourism. The MoU was signed in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and France’s Consul General in Puducherry and Chennai Etienne Rolland-Piegue.
The MoU is aimed at facilitating the easy exchange, travel and associations of artists, cultural organisations and establishments between Tamil Nadu and Centre-Val de Loire, an official release from the State government said. Exchanging experiences and best practices in the tourism sector and public policy, conservation of traditional knowledge, practices in archaeology, and maintaining museums would be among the common areas of interest.
In another event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin presented the Living Craft Treasure Award to seven artisans. The award that recognises skilled artisans above the age of 65 carries a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh, 8 gram gold medal, a Thamirapathiram and a certificate. Artisans N. Rani Vincent, K.B. Veezhinathan, Ilavarasi Chokkar, Kuppu Subramani, D. Ramani, N. Poovammal and N. Durairaj received the Living Craft Treasure Award for 2024-25.
He also presented the Poompuhar State Awards to 10 artisans above 30 years that carries a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, 4 gram gold medal, Thamirapathiram and a certificate. Artisans J. Venkatraman, C. Ramesh, M. Kuppusamy, T. Gopalakrishnan and K. Murugan, R. Harikrishnan and S. Rehmath Meeral Beevi, C. Sri Kumari, P. Megantu, R. Gokulnath Reddy received the PoompuharState Awards for 2024-25.
Minister T.M. Anbarasan, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
France’s Centre-Val de Loire is important for its rich history and culture, featuring iconic châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Economically, it is significant for its agricultural products, including wine and cereals, as well as its growing pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The region also holds importance for its natural beauty, with pristine landscapes and the Loire River, along with its extensive tourism and recreational opportunities, such as the Beauval Zoo and the Loire à Vélo cycle route.
The Val de Loire is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its numerous châteaux and unspoiled river landscapes.
The region is famous for its concentration of grand castles, including Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, and Blois.
Historical Sites: It is home to historical towns and cathedrals, such as the famous cathedral in Chartres, and places linked to literary figures like Marcel Proust in Illiers-Combray.
Centre-Val de Loire is a leading agricultural region, particularly known for cereal production and its wine-growing heritage, especially the Sancerre and Vouvray wines.
The region has a strong economy, with notable strengths in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, including goat cheeses.
It plays a significant role in France’s energy sector, with its power stations generating 15% of the nation’s nuclear energy.
The region attracts millions of visitors to its châteaux, vineyards, and the world-renowned Beauval Zoo.
Its unspoiled landscapes, including the Loire River and natural parks like Sologne and Perche, offer destinations for nature lovers and outdoor activities.
The Loire à Vélo cycle route is a popular way for tourists to explore the region’s beauty and attractions.
With its 2,500 listed monuments, Centre-Val de Loire attracts nine million visitors annually thanks to its wealth of unspoilt landscapes (Val de Loire, Sologne, Perche, Berry), two of the most visited châteaux in France (Chambord and Chenonceaux), its wine heritage (third largest wine-growing region in France) and its recreational and nature destinations (Beauval Zoo, Center Parcs holiday village, Loire à Vélo cycle route).
