Center Region covers an area of 39,151 square kilometers. Around 2.5 million people live here. The capital is Orleans, steeped in history city the entire region. In the re-division of the program regions that emerged Departemtens Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Indre, and Loiret. These are now part of the Center region.
Geographically, the region is located south of Paris, in the middle of the heart of France. The north traces the border of the Ile-de-France. Normandy also borders Center in this area. The Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Cherentes are both in the west. The south, on the other hand, borders directly on Limousin and Auvergne. To the east lies the Burgundy wine region. The Center region naturally bears its name because it is located in the center of France. The capital Orleans is located in the northeast of the Center region.
Center life and landscapes
Historical landscapes and French kings shaped and shaped the Center region. The French kings had been the official owners of Berry since the 11th century. From 1205 the Touraine belonged to the royal estates. The most famous historical figure is probably the Maid of Orleans Joan of Arc. It is always mentioned in connection with the capital Orleans. There are many buildings and monuments that are supposed to commemorate this brave woman. The story of the young woman is extremely impressive and has been written and filmed in many dramas. Hollywood has also already taken on the topic.
In the Hundred Years Warthe Orleanaise was the last bastion of the French in the battle against the English.
The entire Center region was created when the program regions in France were reorganized in 1956. The departments were also created at that time.
In 1972 Center was raised to the status of a public establishment and placed under the management of a regional prefect. During the enforcement of the decentralization lawsfrom 1982, all regions received a new status. Center was then divided as a local authority. Until then, only municipalities and departments had this. This gave the region new duties and rights. Thus, for the first time in 1986, the regional council could be determined by direct elections.
The powers of the Center region have also been steadily expanded. The region now has a few more rights than before against the central government of Paris. Of course, there are also obligations associated with this.
Historical sights of the Center region
The entire region is very rich in historical buildings and monuments, as many kings used to live here and some monasteries were built. That is why you can still find numerous castles and fortresses today. Some of these are even perfectly preserved.
UNESCO also became aware of the area and in 2000 declared the Loire, which flows through the region between the cities of Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes, a World Heritage Site. The background are the numerous castles that are on this route. These should be protected from demolition.
It would also be a shame if something happened to these impressive buildings. The beautiful old town of Orleans should not be missed either. Some buildings from the Middle Ages can be seen here.
