About Pays De La Loire
Pays de la Loire regional description
The Pays de la Loire is the region south of Brittany and Normandy and stretches to the Atlantic coast in the west, south to the borders of Poitou Charentes and east to Centre. At Healey Fox we specialise mainly in the area known as the Golden Triangle, being focussed on the Loire valley and covering everywhere between Tours, Le Mans and Angers. Although it’s name may suggest expensive property, and certainly there is some of that, the average price of property in this area is substantially less than in some other parts of France. There certainly are some very special properties but there are also lovely little cottages, farmhouses and village houses, away from the tourist beat, to tempt everyone. Search for property in Pays de La Loire on the Healey Fox web site and see the choice! The Loire Valley is a UNESCO world heritage site and the Loire river is the longest river in all of France. It is not only long but also extremely wide as it makes it way through the river plain to the sea offering good fishing, wonderful cycle trails and many stop offs at attractive riverside villages and towns.
Live like royalty in the centre of France
Mention the Loire and most of us think about magnificent chateaux situated along the famous river. Often referred to as the Valley of the Kings, the historical wealth of the region cannot be in doubt when you gaze at these beautiful buildings. A favourite of mine is Chateau Amboise where Francois 1 settled Leonardo da Vinci in the nearby Close-Luce with its tunnel to the chateau. All Francois wanted was companionship and conversation which left Leonardo plenty of time to create his inventions, replicas of which can been seen in the chateau. My other favourite is Chateau de Chenonceau which apart from being stunning to wander around has the exciting history of it being used by the Resistance in the 2nd WW to escape occupied France as the river Cher, which the Chateau spans was the dividing line between occupied and free France. Luckily most of us don’t want to own a Chateau and are very happy to look for a more modest property in Loire but days out to see them are really worthwhile.
The Loire valley, a place to call home
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.
