Loiret

department, France

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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The Loiret is a department in north-central France, part of the Centre-Val de Loire region. Its capital is Orléans, a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Orléans is situated on the Loire River, a significant waterway in France, and is known for its role in the Hundred Years' War, particularly the victory led by Joan of Arc.12

Historically, the region has been a center of culture and conflict, experiencing periods of prosperity and devastation, including during the Wars of Religion and World War II. The Loire River valley, within which Loiret lies, is famous for its picturesque châteaux and vineyards. The department's economy has evolved from traditional agriculture and market gardening to include rapid industrialization and a strong service sector.123

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Centre
Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, and Eure-et-Loir. Centre is bounded by the régions of Normandy and Île-de-France to the north, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté to the east, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to the southeast, Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the south, and Pays de la Loire to the west. The capital is
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Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, and Eure-et-Loir. Centre is bounded by the régions of Normandy and Île-de-France to the north, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté to the east, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to the southeast, Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the south, and Pays de la Loire to the west. The capital is
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