In addition to the famous Loire River, the region of Maine-et-Loire is criss-crossed by a dense network of waterways along which many small urban centres have grown. Over the centuries, these small river towns supported activities on and around the rivers before most of them died out at the dawn of the 21st century. This article looks at the role given to rivers in four small towns in the light of these changes. A sample of 26 interviews with institutional players involved in the planning and management of these towns and rivers is used to study the relationship between town planning and river management. The results highlight the different ways in which the presence of rivers is taken into account in urban planning and the difficulties encountered by those involved in implementing projects. The institutional context, the level of awareness of local elected representatives and the issues specific to small towns are addressed as factors influencing city-river relationships and their hydrographic context. In conclusion, changes in the scope of urban planning and project development around rivers is discussed.

In addition to the famous Loire River, the region of Maine-et-Loire is criss-crossed by a dense network of waterways along which many small urban centres have grown. Over the centuries, these small river towns supported activities on and around the rivers before most of them died out at the dawn of the 21st century. This article looks at the role given to rivers in four small towns in the light of these changes. A sample of 26 interviews with institutional players involved in the planning and management of these towns and rivers is used to study the relationship between town planning and river management. The results highlight the different ways in which the presence of rivers is taken into account in urban planning and the difficulties encountered by those involved in implementing projects. The institutional context, the level of awareness of local elected representatives and the issues specific to small towns are addressed as factors influencing city-river relationships and their hydrographic context. In conclusion, changes in the scope of urban planning and project development around rivers is discussed.