Until the middle of the 19th century, the Loire was the main route through which goods passed from the interior of the country to the port of Nantes.
Saint Denis de l'Hotel.
Jargeau
[In a letter of donations from the Bishop of Orléans MANASSES de GARLANDE in favor of the Chapter of Jargeau dated 1163, our commune is designated: ECCLESIAM SANCTI DIONYSI DE HOSPITIO SUPRA LIGERIM (Church of Saint-Denis-de-l'Hôtel on Loire).
The port
During the time of the Loire navy, commercial activities were very important there and even in the 17th century exceeded those of the port of Jargeau (trade in wine, vinegar, wood).
The Bridges of Saint Denis from the Hotel
The first bridge was built in the 13th century and destroyed in 1790; its foundations are still visible during low water periods.
From 1790 to 1834, a ferry allowed the crossing of the river. In 1832 a wooden suspension bridge was built, replaced by another metal one, inaugurated on July 10, 1927.
It was damaged twice during the 1939-45 war, repaired then definitively destroyed in 1988, the date the current bridge was put into service. it replaced an old suspension bridge located further downstream.