Loir-et-Cher

Département in the Centre region of France; area 6,314 sq km/2,438 sq mi; population (1999 est) 315,000. In the north flows the River Loir, in the centre the Loire, and in the south the Cher. Cereals, vines, fruit trees, and vegetables are cultivated, and sheep and turkeys are raised. Manufacturing industries include food, chemicals, and pottery. Stone, alabaster, and flint are quarried. The châteaux of the Loire attract many tourists. The administrative centre is Blois. Other towns include Romorantin and Vendôme.

Loir-et-Cher is formed from parts of the former provinces of Touraine and Orléanais. A large part of the land is forested, but there are also rich agricultural districts in the river basins and on the fertile plateau of lower Beauce, which lies across the centre of the département.