This part of France has attracted people from all over the world looking for second homes and full time homes. It is an area well provided for in hospitals, schools and shopping centres and with good air and TGV connections via Tours. The climate is also mild, spring comes earlier than in the U.K., summers tend to be warm and sunny on most days, autumn is long and beautiful and winters are not too long, nor too cold. Apart from the tourist attractions there are many diversions to enjoy. Lovely woods, cycle tracks, and lakes. You can still find peace and quiet in the countryside and enjoy the rolling countryside and many small rivers away from the more popular River Loire.The many small towns in the area remain lively throughout the year with many markets, festivals and other activities to enjoy whether it be summer or winter. Tours, Le Mans and Angers are interesting large towns with museums, art galleries and sophisticated shopping. Being in the Loire one must not forget the vineyards for the famous Chinon, Saumer and Vouvray wines where you can always enjoy a few tastings while choosing some bottles to take to your house in Loire.