Dreux [key], town, Eure-et-Loir dept., N central France. It is an industrial center where foundry products, boilers, metal products, radio and television equipment, and chemicals are manufactured. An old Gallo-Roman city, Dreux belonged to the counts of Vexin and the dukes of Normandy in medieval times. The town changed hands many times before being united with the French crown under Louis XV (18th cent.). Dreux is rich in monuments, among which are St. Peter's Church (13th–17th cent.) and a belfry (16th cent.).
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: French Political Geography
