IndreetLoire

Indre-et-Loire is a department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It is named after the Indre and Loire rivers, and its prefecture is Tours.

Geography and landscape: The department lies in the western-central part of France and includes a portion of the Loire Valley. Its terrain features river plains, agricultural land, and a succession of historic towns and châteaux that overlook the Loire and its tributaries.

History and administration: Indre-et-Loire was created during the French Revolution in 1790. It is divided into three arrondissements: Tours, Loches, and Chinon. The department is governed by a Departmental Council and administered by a prefect appointed by the central government. Local affairs are managed at the level of communes and intercommunal structures.

Economy and culture: The economy combines agriculture, notably wine production in the Touraine wine region, with industry and services. Tourism is a significant activity due to the Loire Valley châteaux, as well as city attractions in Tours and surrounding towns.

Landmarks and heritage: The department contains several prominent châteaux, including Amboise, Chenonceau, and Villandry. The area is part of the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural landscape, historic towns, and architectural heritage.

Demographics and transport: The department has a population in the hundreds of thousands, with Tours as the largest city. It is served by national rail and road networks, including high-speed rail connections to Paris via Tours, and by major routes that follow the Loire Valley.