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The Loire valley runs from the centre of France to the West coast from an eastern starting point of Orléans to a western finishing point of Nantes. To the north the region extends as far as Le Mans and Laval and to the south to the towns of Châteauroux and Poitiers. Principally however our interest is concentrated on the towns, villages and the areas immediately surrounding the Loire itself and in particular the regions of Touraine and Anjou. In December 2000 UNESCO listed the area as one of its World Heritage Sites.
Climatically and geographically, the river Loire marks the divide between the north and the south of France. The region has a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers and often has a micro-climate created by the Loire itself. The famous "douceur angevine" refers as much to the climate as to the relaxed lifestyle of the area.
The river Loire is the dominating natural feature and the surrounding lands are largely flat with rich soils and lush vegetation. Large tracts of forest, mainly "forêt domaniale" equivalent to National Trust lands, are to be found the length of the valley and are especially noticeable between Tours and Angers. The region is also renowned for its production of fruit and vegetables that the rich soils and temperate climes encourage.
Vineyards proliferate and produce many and varied wines. Red, white, rosé, sparkling or dessert wines are to be found and enjoyed, very reasonably, in the region.
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Often known as the valley of the kings for its many châteaux and its royal past, the region is steeped in history. The historical patrimony is to be seen everywhere in the châteaux, churches, abbeys and manor houses that abound in the region. |
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In the historic towns such as Tours, Angers, Saumur or Chinon large townhouses, "Maisons de Maître", and "Maisons Bourgeoises" are to be found, often surrounded by ornamental gardens or small parks. Such properties have often become part of the local heritage, or are closely held by local families and rarely come onto the market. When they are to be found, and depending on their condition, prices start at around 350,000 euros and can rise to as much as 1,000,000 euros. Smaller town houses and terraced houses, with a small garden or courtyards, start at around 200,000 euros. |
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Riverside villages. Charming villages are dotted along the banks of the river Loire. Properties in these villages, whether overlooking or set back from the river, are much sought after but can still be found. These vary from small châteaux and maisons de maîtres to simple fishing cottages. Often houses set back into the hillside will have large cellars and caves cut into the rock or even some troglodyte living space. Prices for larger properties with parks and extensive gardens start at around 300,000 + euros whilst cottages and smaller houses can be found from 150,000 euros or less if in need of renovation. |
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The Countryside. Manor houses, châteaux and country estates, old farms and fermettes, classic longères and watermills abound in the countryside on either side of the Loire. There are even fully habitable troglodyte properties in some areas! Much has been renovated in the last few years but there are still many properties to restore and most houses have outhouses and barns ripe for conversion. Properties range in price from 100,000 euros for a ramshackle fermette in need of restoration to over a 1,000,000 euros for a châteaux complete with stables, gardens, lakes etc. In general, substantial properties, in good condition, and of all types, can be found from about 250,000 euros.
Most old properties are built in the local stone, tuffeau, a warm, soft, pale stone that is as much a part of the Loire Valley as the river itself and which reflects the light even on the greyest of days.
The region is easily accessible by boat and car from the western channel ports- Cherbourg, St. Malo, Caen - ; by TGV trains - less than 5 hours from London and only 55 minutes from Paris - and by the budget airlines that are now starting to fly to Tours from UK. Property prices have been moving higher over the last few years but remain generally very reasonable. |
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