Loire-Atlantique, Department of Pays de la Loire, France.
Loire-Atlantique is an administrative territory in the Pays de la Loire region, stretching from the Atlantic coast inland and covering several larger cities and numerous smaller towns. The area sits along the lower reaches of the river, which flows through it before emptying into the ocean.
The territory was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution as part of a nationwide reorganization of administrative boundaries. It was originally called Loire-Inférieure until 1957, when it was renamed to better reflect its position along both the river and the coast.
The name Loire-Atlantique reflects the territory shaped by both the river and the ocean, a geography that influences daily life throughout. Breton influences remain visible in local festivals, food traditions, and building styles, even though the area no longer belongs administratively to Brittany.
The area is accessible by high-speed train from Paris, and an international airport offers connections to several European destinations. Bus services link larger towns with smaller communities, making travel within the territory manageable.
Nantes, the largest city in western France, sits here alongside Saint-Nazaire, known for its shipyards that build large vessels. The contrast between the historic city and the industrial coast offers different faces of the area.
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