Living in the Loire

The Loire is the longest river in France and the region that takes its name is made up of the Centre and Pays de la Loire regions which are rich in stunning chateaux, beautiful and ripe countryside and historic buildings, churches and cathedrals.

This area of France has seen property prices increase by as much as 25% in recent years and is very popular for tourists and those house hunters looking to escape the confines of slightly saturated neighbouring Brittany.

The region is easily accessible from Britain via plane, train or automobile making it popular year round with tourists and second home owners. 

The region’s capital city is Orleans, famous for being liberated from the British by Joan of Arc in 1429 and also famous for its magnificent gothic Cathedral.  The city centre is rich in roman architecture and a cultural as well as economic centre for the Loire region.  It is also located close enough to Paris for commuters which makes property prices in the city some of the highest in the Loire.

The region’s coast faces the Atlantic Ocean and is dotted with near white sandy beaches which make for perfect holiday hotspots.  The pretty ports and fishing villages along the coast are popular holiday home destinations for Parisians and expatriates alike.

For those who make the Loire region home expect lush countryside producing wine, fruit and vegetables and dotted with ancient churches and chateaux: expect wild and rugged coastline interspersed with sandy beaches, coves and fishing ports and expect lively and cosmopolitan towns and cities.

Among the most popular towns in the Loire are Nantes, Tours and Angers.  Nantes is the capital city of Pays de la Loire and home to a fashionable university, an amazing cathedral and a lively community.  Tours is also a university town which is very popular with tourists for its laid back air, wide boulevards and trendy cafe culture.  Angers is an ancient roman city with a beautiful chateau which is home to the world famous L’Apocalypse tapestry.  And seemingly the most popular town in the entire Loire valley for us Brits is Parcay les Pins - property in the town is 40% British owned!

The majority of the region is still French owned and populated however, and the housing market remains healthy and buoyant.  Those interested in making an investment in property in the region might like to consider the fact that holiday rental homes are always in demand here offering a potential year round income, and that prices have risen 25% over the last few years.  Interest in the area is not diminishing and in certain areas it is intensifying as neighbouring regions become saturated with foreign buyers and therefore less competitively priced.

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