Dreux

Dreux is a commune in the Eure-et-Loir department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It serves as a sub-prefecture and is the administrative seat of the arrondissement of Dreux. Located in the north-western part of the department, Dreux lies roughly 90 kilometers west of Paris along the valley of the Eure river.

With medieval origins, Dreux developed as a regional market town. It was the site of the Battle of Dreux in 1562 during the French Wars of Religion, an event that shaped the town’s early history. Over the centuries it grew to become a local center for industry, trade, and public administration.

Notable sights include the Château de Dreux, a historic castle associated with the House of Orléans, and the surrounding historic center, which features the Church of Saint-Pierre and other medieval monuments.

Today, Dreux has tens of thousands of residents and functions as a service and transport hub for the wider région. The economy includes light industry, retail, and public services, with influences from nearby Paris and regional markets.

Transport links connect Dreux by rail to Paris and other towns, and major road routes provide road access to the surrounding area. The town provides several educational institutions and cultural facilities, including museums, libraries, and sports venues.