The Challenges of Urban Requalification of Rivers and Wetlands. The Case of Peri-Francilian Towns

Since the 1970–1980s, European urban stakeholders have been attaching importance to rivers and wetlands. The many projects related to their aesthetic and functional treatment illustrate the vivacity of this process, characterised by the notion of urban requalification. The aim is to remedy the recent downgrading of rivers and wetlands, to highlight their rich urban history and to enhance their cultural, economic and environmental potential. However, the content and the scope of these policies depend on the size and situation of the towns. In France, Lyon and Nantes have developed large-scale urban projects based on their metropolitan ambitions. The peri-Francilian towns have developed smaller but more diversified initiatives to attract residents and investors, emphasising their proximity to Paris and their local identity. This chapter focuses on the development potential of rivers and wetlands in this specific urban case, revealing the strategies employed and their contributions and impacts on the environment. This provides valuable lessons for an efficient urban requalification.