Château-du-Loir

Château-du-Loir stands near the River Loir on the boundary between Maine and Anjou. Its castle gave the settlement its name and guarded a route through the valley. During the Hundred Years' War English forces besieged the place in 1426, when the struggle for Maine brought armies to its walls. In later centuries the town became an important administrative centre: its officers exercised justice over surrounding parishes, while a salt store and tax offices served the district. Its position between the two provinces helped sustain its role in local government and trade.