Loire (Arpitan: Lêre, Occitan: Léger)'s an administrative department in the east-central part of France occupying the River Loire's upper reaches. History Loire was created in 1793 when the original department of Rhône-et-Loire was split. Its capitals have been the following: Feurs from 1793-1795 Montbrison from 1795-1855 Saint-Étienne since 1855 Loire's known for its many Castles Geography Loire's part of the current administrative region of Rhône-Alpes and's surro… (More on Loire)