Eure-et-Loir

Département in the Centre region of France; area 5,875 sq km/2,268 sq mi; population (1999 est) 407,700. The chief river in the north is the Eure, in the south are the Loir and the Huisne. None is navigable except the Eure for a short distance. Wheat and oats are the principal crops and apples are grown. Textiles and boots are manufactured and there are foundries. The administrative centre is Chartres.

Other principal towns are Dreux, Châteaudun, and Nogent-le-Rotrou. The region lies southeast of the département of Eure. The eastern part is a gently undulating plain, called the Beauce; the western part, called the Perche, is more diverse, with hills, forests, and numerous rivers. The Perche district has a slightly colder climate than the Beauce.