Guide to Loire and Properties in Department 42

In 1793, during the French Revolution, the department of Rhône-et-Loire in France was split into two parts, creating the department of Loire, also known as 42. The French government made this decision to counter the growing counter-revolutionary activities that were taking place in Lyon, France's second-largest city at the time. By separating Rhône-et-Loire, the government hoped to prevent counter-revolutionary activity's potential power and influence in the Lyon region from affecting the French Revolution.  Nowadays, Loire is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes administrative region and is surrounded by the departments of Rhône, Isère, Haute-Loire, Ardèche, Puy-de-Dôme, Allier, and Saône-et-Loire. The department covers an area of 4,781 square kilometres and has a population of around 760,000 people. The River Loire flows through the department from south to north, and its capital city is Saint-Etienne, the largest city in the department.

Loire is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Monts du Forez and the Pilat Regional Nature Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The department is also home to several historic sites, such as the Château de la Roche, the Château de Bouthéon, and the Abbey of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez. Additionally, Loire is famous for its wine production, particularly the Côte Roannaise and the Saint-Joseph appellations. Overall, Loire is a fascinating department with a rich history and diverse attractions to explore.