Loire-Atlantique
Loire-Atlantique is a department in the Pays de la Loire region of France. Here are detailed insights into this region:
Geography
Loire-Atlantique is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Vendée to the south, Maine-et-Loire to the east, and Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan to the north. The department spans approximately 6,815 km² and includes:
History
The history of Loire-Atlantique is deeply intertwined with that of the former Brittany region:
- In 1941, the department was created from parts of Brittany due to administrative changes by the Vichy Government during World War II.
- There has been a long-standing debate about whether Loire-Atlantique should be returned to Brittany, with cultural and regional identity movements advocating for this change.
- The region has a rich maritime history, with cities like Nantes playing significant roles in shipbuilding and trade.
Economy
The economy of Loire-Atlantique is diverse:
- Nantes, the largest city, is known for its shipbuilding industry, particularly through companies like Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
- Agriculture is significant, with vineyards producing wines like Muscadet.
- Tourism thrives, especially along the coast and on the islands.
Culture
Cultural highlights include:
Sources:
Related Topics: