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Loiret

Loiret is a department in north-central France, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is named after the Loire River, which flows through the department, and it takes its departmental number, 45. Created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790, its capital and largest city is Orléans. Other notable towns include Montargis, Gien, Pithiviers, Meung-sur-Loire, and Sully-sur-Loire.

Geography and landscape: The Loire valley forms the department's northern boundary. The Sologne forest covers much

History: Historically part of the Orléanais province, the department was created in 1790 during the French

Economy and culture: The economy combines agriculture, light industry, and services. The area is known for canal

of
the
north,
while
the
Loing
and
Beuvron
rivers
run
through
the
south,
including
Montargis
and
Meung-sur-Loire.
The
region
features
a
mix
of
urban
areas,
agricultural
plains,
river
valleys,
and
forests,
with
a
temperate
oceanic
climate.
Revolution.
Orléans
played
a
pivotal
role
in
the
Hundred
Years'
War,
notably
the
lifting
of
the
siege
by
Joan
of
Arc
in
1429,
a
landmark
event
in
the
region's
history.
and
river
tourism,
castles
and
historic
towns,
and
traditional
crafts
such
as
faience
pottery
in
Gien.
Montargis
is
nicknamed
the
Venice
of
the
Gâtinais
for
its
canals.
Notable
sites
include
the
Orléans
Cathedral
and
the
Château
de
Sully-sur-Loire.