Maine-et-Loire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maine-et-Loire
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Location of Maine-et-Loire in France
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| Country | France | ||
| Region | Pays de la Loire | ||
| Département | 4 March 1790 | ||
| Prefecture | Angers | ||
| Subprefectures | Saumur, Cholet, Segré | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 7,106.64 km2 (2,743.89 sq mi) | ||
| Population
(2015)
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| • Total | 810,186 | ||
| • Density | 114.00409/km2 (295.2692/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| ISO 3166 code | FR-49 | ||
| Arrondissements | 4 | ||
| Cantons | 21 | ||
| Communes | 183 | ||
Maine-et-Loire is a special area in the west of France. It's like a county or a state, and it's part of the larger Pays de la Loire region. The main city and administrative center is Angers. In 2015, about 810,000 people lived here.
Maine-et-Loire was one of the first 83 departments created in France. This happened during the French Revolution, a very important time in French history.
Contents
About Maine-et-Loire
What is a Department?
A department in France is a bit like a county or a smaller state. It's a way to divide the country into smaller parts for easier management. Each department has its own local government.
Location and Size
Maine-et-Loire is located in western France. It covers an area of about 7,100 square kilometers (about 2,740 square miles). This makes it a medium-sized department in France.
Main Cities
The biggest city and the capital of Maine-et-Loire is Angers. It's where the main government offices are located. Other important towns include Saumur, Cholet, and Segré. These cities are known for different things, from history to industry.
History of Maine-et-Loire
How it Started
Maine-et-Loire was officially created on March 4, 1790. This was a direct result of the French Revolution. Before this, France was divided into different provinces. The revolution changed this system to create more equal and organized areas.
Early Days
The new departments helped to centralize power and make sure laws were applied the same way everywhere. Maine-et-Loire was formed from parts of old provinces like Anjou. This region has a long and rich history, with many castles and historical sites.
Famous Places and Culture
Castles and Abbeys
Maine-et-Loire is famous for its beautiful castles, often called châteaux. These include the impressive Château d'Angers and the stunning Château de Montsoreau. There are also historic abbeys, like Fontevraud Abbey, which has a long and interesting past.
Horse Riding Tradition
The department is also home to the Cadre Noir in Saumur. This is a famous French national riding school. They are known for their amazing horse riding skills and traditional equestrian art. It's a truly unique place to visit.
Images for kids
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Château d'Angers
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Cadre Noir
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Montreuil-Bellay
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See also
In Spanish: Maine y Loira para niños
