Loiret.

The fertile land of Loiret yields a variety of crops including asparagus and saffron. Fruits grown in its orchards are deliciously preserved. The bee hives nurtured here are good for crops and provide a lovely honey.

As the Hundred Years War raged, Jeanne d'Arc famously rode into Orléans in 1429 to save the town from the English siege. This earned her the moniker La Pucelle d'Orléans or "Maid of Orleans".

The candles made in Artenay were preferred by the monarchy for use in the palaces of Versailles and in Paris. Wheat was the major crop grown in the land. The town of Pithivier is said to be where the pithivier was born, a hand pie with two circles of puff pastry encasing almond paste. Later versions may have savory fillings.

Our ancestors who emigrated from Loiret are listed below. The dates reflect the year they arrived in Canada if known, otherwise it is the date of their earliest appearances in the records there:

• Marguerite Manchon (1663) of Artenay.