Pays de la Loire is a region of western France
comprising the departments of Loire Atlantique,
Maine- et- Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe and the Vendee,
offering a wide range of landscape and property
styles all benefiting from a mild and seasonal
climate which is easily accessed via budget airlines,
sea, road and TGV.
Pays
de la Loire is largely an agricultural area
with traditional arable land and rolling countryside,
and the Loire, France’s longest
river, runs through the centre of the region.
The Loire Valley is central to the regions economy
and its culture is often described as a “cultural
landscape of exceptional beauty”.
Wine
production in the area includes Muscadet, Rose
D’Anjou, Sancerre and the most popular
sparkling wine after champagne – Saumur.
Not to be missed are the regions many glorious
chateaux. These are said to be the most beautiful
in existence.
To
the north are the Alpes Mancelles just south
of Alencon; they form a picturesque undulating
region which some say resembles an alpine scene – hence
the name. A Delightful area of pretty villages,
hills and little river valleys clad in woodland
and heather.
The Mayenne is undoubtedly one of the most unspoilt
parts of the Pays de la Loire region. This is
largely an agricultural area with traditional
farming that has been preserved over mass production.
The area has long been favoured by the Parisians
seeking a second home a short distance away.
The department of the Sarthe is found in the
north of the Loire Valley and it has three distinct
parts to it. In the north you will find the regional
park with its undulating landscape of dark forests
and steep hills. The centre of the department
is more open but dotted with pine trees and the
south is the wine growing region with its vineyards
and idyllic countryside. Le Mans is the capital
and is famed for the annual 24 hour motor race
watched by people all over the world. With a
recently completed tramway and TGV to Paris on
55 minutes, many are now discovering this vibrant
city, its fabulous cathedral and surrounding
Sarthe region which offers excellent value for
money properties to buy and a huge rental market
in Le Mans.
Property styles vary greatly throughout the
region as do the prices. There are still a few
cheap barns about in need of total renovation
but the majority of properties are the traditional
stone built type ranging from small town houses
to huge farmhouses, manoirs and stud farms and
of course fabulous chateaux.
Visitors
and property buyers like the climate – long
warm summers and short mild winters. This pleasant
climate leads to an abundance of outdoor pursuits.
With so much to offer people of all ages coupled
with good access, it is easy to see why the area
and its charms is becoming more popular.
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