Back Loire (rivier) Afrikaans Loire ALS ሏር ወንዝ Amharic Río Loira AN Ligore ANG لوار Arabic لوار (نهر) ARZ Ríu Loira AST Luara çayı Azerbaijani لوآر (رود) AZB
| Loire | |
|---|---|
 The Loire in Maine-et-Loire | |
 Map of France with the Loire highlighted | |
| Location | |
| Country | France |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Massif Central |
| - location | Sainte-Eulalie, Ardèche |
| - coordinates | 44°49′48″N 4°13′20″E / 44.83000°N 4.22222°E |
| - elevation | 1,408 m (4,619 ft) |
| Mouth | Atlantic Ocean |
| - location | Saint-Nazaire, Loire-Atlantique |
| - coordinates | 47°16′09″N 2°11′09″W / 47.26917°N 2.18583°W |
| - elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 1,006 km (625 mi) |
The Loire River is the longest river in France. It is 1,006 km long. It originates in the Massif Central. Its mouth is near Nantes by the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire gives its name to 6 French departments. For years, the Loire was very important for France's commerce. When the railway developed in the 19th century, it put an end to its importance.