Loire-Atlantique

department, France

Also known as: Loire-Inférieure

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June 30, 2026

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Loire-Atlantique is a department in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. It is bordered by other French regions and the Bay of Biscay. The capital of the region is Nantes, which is situated at the head of the estuary of the Loire River. The department's landscape includes parts of the Massif Armoricain and is influenced by the Loire River and its tributaries. Historically, Nantes was a significant commercial center and played a role in various French historical events, including the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution. The region's economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, food processing, and emerging industries like biotechnology. The coastal areas, such as La Baule-Escoublac, are popular tourist resorts.123

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Pays de la Loire
Maine-et-Loire, Vendée, and Loire-Atlantique. Pays de la Loire is bounded by the régions of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté to the northwest, Normandy to the north, Centre to the east, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the south. The Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean lies to the west. The capital is Nantes.
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Maine-et-Loire, Vendée, and Loire-Atlantique. Pays de la Loire is bounded by the régions of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté to the northwest, Normandy to the north, Centre to the east, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the south. The Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean lies to the west. The capital is Nantes.
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