Guide to Eure et Loir & Properties in Department 28

Eure-et-Loir is a department located in the Loire Valley in central France, created during the French Revolution in March 1790, under the December 22, 1789 Act. This department (number 28) was formed from the former provinces of Orléanais (Beauce) and Maine (Perche), as well as parts of Île-de-France (Drouais, Thymerais, Valley of the Avre, Hurepoix). The department's name is derived from the two main rivers that flow through it, the Eure and the Loir. The area covered by the Eure-et-Loir department was once the central part of the Carnute's land, a Celtic tribe that had its capital at Autricum (now Chartres). The Carnutes were known for their commitment to the ancient Druidic religion, and the Forest of the Carnutes was considered a holy place where the annual Druidic assembly was held. Another pre-Roman group, the Durocasses, had their capital north of the department at Dreux.

Geographic and Economic Significance

Eure-et-Loir is surrounded by several other departments, including Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Essonne, Yvelines, Eure, Orne and Sarthe. The department is a significant economic player in grain and oilseed production in France. Its agricultural economy is still heavily dependent on the economic and regulatory environment of the markets for crops. Eure-et-Loir is, in fact, the first grain producer in France, and it is also the national leader in the production of rapeseed and peas. Wheat production is the most dominant in the area, with nearly 40% of all farmland devoted to wheat cultivation.

Agricultural Initiatives

The "Pôle AgroDynamic" organisation promotes agriculture in the department, with subsidiaries providing added value in different sectors such as agro-energy, agribusiness, and agricultural materials.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

The department also has several tourist attractions, including the magnificent stained-glass windows of the Cathedral of Chartres, the Chapelle Royale and the Beffroi in Dreux. Several castles are worth visiting, such as Anet, Chateaudun, Maillebois, Maintenon, Montigny, Montigny-sur-Avre, Saint-John, and Villepion. Additionally, the Regional Parc of the Perche is another attraction that visitors can enjoy.

Key Information about Eure-et-Loir

• Main City/Prefecture: Chartres
• Nearest Airport: Paris-Orly Airport
• Population: Around 430,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,880 sq. kilometres and 2,270 sq. miles
• Landmark: Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the world's finest examples of Gothic architecture.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.5 million, attracted by its historic cathedral, charming towns, and scenic countryside.