Between 1848 and 1861, engineers in Normandy undertook a major transformation of the Vire River by removing five of its natural bends, or meanders, over a distance of nearly three kilometers. This effort, carried out through manual digging, earthmoving, and the use of dynamite, was part of a larger movement during the 19th-century industrial revolution to improve waterways for commercial transport. By straightening the river, they made navigation faster and more predictable, supporting economic growth in the region. However, this engineering project had long-term ecological consequences. Today, the Seine-Normandy Water Agency rates the Vire’s ecological health as only average to poor, with issues linked to the river’s altered structure. Meanders are important for slowing water flow, supporting diverse habitats, and helping to naturally filter pollutants. Their removal disrupted these natural processes, leading to a decline in the river’s biodiversity and overall ecological quality. In recent years, there has been a growing effort to reverse some of these changes through re-meandering projects. These initiatives aim to restore the river’s original winding path, reconnect important tributaries, and reestablish natural habitats. Similar efforts, like the 2023 restoration of nearly two kilometers of the Automne River in the Oise region, have included reconnecting wetlands and removing outdated hydraulic structures. The time required for such projects can vary widely, depending on the river’s natural energy and the project's scale. The Vire’s transformation and subsequent restoration reflect a broader pattern in France, where rivers were historically altered to support economic development. Today, there is a growing recognition of the need to balance human activity with environmental preservation. The shift from straightening rivers for economic gain to restoring their natural meandering forms illustrates a changing perspective on how to manage waterways sustainably.