Property Guide to Pays de la Loire
Truly one of the highlights of France. Named after the river that flows through the region, Pays-de-la-Loire offers so much more than its amazing Châteaux, famous wines, majestic rivers, rolling countryside, unspoilt sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast, and an all-year-round temperate micro-climate.
Regarded as one of the best places to buy a holiday home in France and has long been a favourite destination for Brits. Property buyers in Pays de la Loire will be spoilt for choice from the wide-open countryside to lively cities, with events throughout the year.
Why Buy in Pays de la Loire
There are many reasons to buy in Pays de la Loire. Here are a few top reasons why this region of France has been so popular with international buyers.
Wildlife – the region is blessed with rich wildlife and is home many to nature reserves such as Lac de Grand-Lieu, Marais Breton Vendéen, Marais de Mullembourg , Baie de l’Aiguillon and Marais Poitevin (Green Venice).
Food & Drink – A strong wine-producing region, you will find a diverse choice of wines from fry white Muscadet to fruity red Saumur-Champigny. The famous fish sauce, sauce au beurre blanc originates here. Whichever department of Pays de la Loire, you will be within easy reach of numerous gastronomic delights; sausages cooked with muscadet wine, mussels, oysters, anchovies, sardines, clams, shrimps on delicious seafood boards and salt made in Guérande.
Tourism – a popular holiday spot for Brits, the region also hosts the Vendee Globe, a round-the-world single-handed race and the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Cultural heritage – Puy du Fou is a historical theme park in Les Epesses, receives over a million visitors a year and is the second most popular attraction in France. Since 2000, an area of the Loire Valley covering 280 km, from Sully-sur-Loire (Loiret) to Chalonnes-sur-Loire (Anjou), was awarded UNESCO world heritage status. And, of course, you also have the famous Loire châteaux, symbols of the French Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment. These well-known buildings include the châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau and the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.
Lots of do – the list of activities you can enjoy in the region include; surfing, water-skiing, sailing, deep-sea diving, kayaking, cycling, walking, and kitesurfing. There are also numerous mineral spring centres for those looking to be pampered.
Where to buy Pays de la Loire
This large region is made up of five diverse departments – Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe and Vendée. Property prices vary across the different areas. You can find a renovation project for as little as €50,000 and at the other end of the scale, beautiful Chateaux.
The most expensive areas are Loire-Atlantique and the Vendee. For those on a limited budget, then the departments of Mayenne and Sarthe offer bargain properties.
Loire-Atlantique
Buyers here will enjoy unspoilt and varied nature along numerous hiking tracks, a beautiful coastline with small wild coves and large sandy beaches. Good transport links and excellent rental opportunities during the summer, particularly along the coast. For those looking to buy a thatched cottage or renovate a longères, expect prices to start at around €500,000.
Vendee
Named after the river that flows through it has kilometres of sandy beaches, excellent fishing and numerous historical attractions. The area’s key economy is tourism, so it is easy to rent out properties here. The region welcomes foreign buyers looking to set up guest houses or gite businesses.
Maine et Loire
UNESCO classifies the Maine-et-Loire department as a World Heritage area due to its unspoilt nature, amazing landscapes and ancient historical monuments. The average price for a house here is around €184,800, but you can also find renovation projects. A village house or barn conversion project – €75,000. New modern homes start from €400,000.
Mayenne
Covered by large forests, Mayenne is a haven for nature lovers thanks to the many nature reserves with a wide variety of species. The area is also home to many castles and churches in surprisingly good condition, despite being the location for many battles. Often overlooked by French buyers, you will find great property bargains in beautiful settings.
Sarthe
You will find a diverse landscape of beautiful mountains, valleys and woods in this sparsely populated and rural department of Pays de la Loire. The area is also home to the 24-hour Grand Prix race. Due to its proximity to the UK, this would be an excellent area to buy for Brits. There are many property bargains compared to coastal departments.
Help finding your property in France
Pays de la Loire is a great location for anyone looking for a good investment property. Whatever the economic climate, the region remains a sought-after area and a popular choice for foreign buyers. Despite rising prices, the British continue to be surprised by how much more property you get for your money compared to the UK. We can take the hassle out of finding your dream property in France. Tell us about your French property dreams?
