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The Loire region: When a Royal River Dreams of the Atlantic
Loire-Atlantique, Vendée, Sarthe, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne: The Loire region, at the confluence of over 15,000 km of streams and of the river beloved of the kings of France, has always been captivating: a charming countryside, a noteworthy Atlantic seaboard, a positive economic outlook and still accessible housing are all pluses beyond the renowned "Anjou mildness."
'Departments'
Loire Atlantique (44), Maine et Loire (49), Mayenne (53), Sarthe (72), Vendée (85)
Real estate trends
With just a few exceptions (seaside villas along the coast, historical homes in the Nantes metropolitan area, and typical houses in Noirmoutier or Ile d'Yeu), prices are still reasonable. Apartments can usually be had for around 1,500 € per m2 in mid-sized cities. In some departments, such as Maine-et-Loire, Sarthe and Mayenne, old homes with lots of potential are still available to restore for around 100,000 €. Almost everywhere, bourgeois homes in move-in condition, restored farmsteads and windmills are available for sale, starting at 300,000 €.
Traditional housing
As in most regions, buildings are made from local building materials: Saumur tuffeau, red sandstone and schist for the walls, slate for the roofs… There are two original kinds of homes: thatched marsh cottages, with reed roofing, and Anjou's cave dwellings, dug into sidehills on the banks of Loire… or directly into the ground on the plain.
Scenery
Crossed by the longest river in France, which was recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage list, and several streams which have lent their names to its departments (Sarthe, Mayenne, Maine…), the region also has a captivating Atlantic seaboard, alternating between marshes, seaside resorts with golden sandy beaches (La Baule, Sables-d'Olonne…) and fishing and boating ports.
Inland, hedged farmland predominates, while vineyards have taken over the hillsides beside the Loire. The region, as much the garden of France as neighboring Touraine, has a solid horticultural tradition. Forests, botanical gardens and flower-covered villages, where each is more beautiful than the last and often holds a copious historical heritage. 1,200 castles and residences are scattered around Maine-et-Loire, surrounding the fortress of Angers and the immaculate castle of Saumur. The heart of Le Mans beats within its Gallo-Roman ramparts, almost unique remnants of the past.
Nowadays, the Loire region has been able to build on the feats of the TGV Atlantique to develop a prosperous economy and metropolises like Nantes.
Weather
The region enjoys a mostly maritime climate, with a small temperature range, characterized by mild winters and summers without excessive heat. Freezing temperatures, almost nonexistent along the coast and along the Loire, average 15 to 40 days per year in the hedged farmland. Rainfall, frequent in fall and winter, is rarely heavy and sunny days almost everywhere average 1,800 hours per year.
The most recents ads Pays de la Loire
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'Regions'
Acovim : Management and Property transactions
Professional card holder n° 1664 (TG) issued by the Préfecture of Loire Atlantique (44)
guaranteed by SOCAMAB, 18 rue Beaurepaire, 75 010 Paris, with the amount of 125 000 euros,
titular of specific account (Décr. 20 Juill. 1972, art. 55)
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