Guide to Eure et Loir & Property in Department 28

Eure-et-Loir is a department located in the Loire Valley in central France, created during the French Revolution in March 1790, under the December 22, 1789 Act. This department (number 28) was created from the former provinces of Orléanais (Beauce) and Maine (Perche), along with parts of Île-de-France (Drouais, Thymerais, Valley of the Avre, Hurepoix). Its name comes from the two main rivers running through it, the Eure and the Loir. Historically, the Eure-et-Loir region was the heart of the Carnute tribe's territory, a Celtic people whose capital was at Autricum…

Eure-et-Loir is a department located in the Loire Valley in central France, created during the French Revolution in March 1790, under the December 22, 1789 Act. This department (number 28) was created from the former provinces of Orléanais (Beauce) and Maine (Perche), along with parts of Île-de-France (Drouais, Thymerais, Valley of the Avre, Hurepoix). Its name comes from the two main rivers running through it, the Eure and the Loir. Historically, the Eure-et-Loir region was the heart of the Carnute tribe's territory, a Celtic people whose capital was at Autricum (modern-day Chartres). The Carnutes were notable for their devotion to the ancient Druidic faith, and the Forest of the Carnutes was regarded as sacred, hosting the annual Druidic assembly. Additionally, the Durocasses, another ancient group, had their capital north of the department at Dreux.

Geographic and Economic Significance

Eure-et-Loir is surrounded by several other departments, including Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Essonne, Yvelines, Eure, Orne and Sarthe. The department is a significant economic player in France's grain and oilseed production. Its agricultural economy is still heavily dependent on the market conditions and regulatory environment for crops. Eure-et-Loir is, in fact, the first grain producer in France, and it is also the national leader in the production of rapeseed and peas. Wheat production is the most dominant in the area, with nearly 40% of all farmland devoted to wheat cultivation.

Agricultural Initiatives

The "Pôle AgroDynamic" organisation promotes agriculture in the department through subsidiaries that add value across various sectors, including agro-energy, agribusiness, and agricultural materials.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

The department also has several tourist attractions, including the magnificent stained-glass windows of the Cathedral of Chartres, the Chapelle Royale and the Beffroi in Dreux. Several castles are worth visiting, including Anet, Châteaudun, Maillebois, Maintenon, Montigny, Montigny-sur-Avre, Saint-Jean, and Villepion. Additionally, the Regional Park of the Perche is another attraction that visitors can enjoy.

Key Information about the Eure-et-Loir (28)

• Main City/Prefecture: Chartres
• Nearest Airport: Paris-Orly Airport
• Population: Around 430,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,880 sq. kilometres and 2,270 sq. miles
• Landmark: Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the world's finest examples of Gothic architecture.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.5 million, attracted by its historic cathedral, charming towns, and scenic countryside.

Property Prices in Eure-et-Loir in 2026

•  Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,996 (April 2026)
•  Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €2,841 (April 2026)
•  Price trends: +0% overall over the last 12 months, and +21 % over the last 5 years. (April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Eure-et-Loir in 2026

•  Average House Price in Chartres: €2,391 per sq. metre (April 2026)
•  Average House Price in Dreux: €2,093 per sq. metre (April 2026)
•  Average House Price in Châteaudun: €1,368 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)

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