Experienced agents with houses for sale in all areas of Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire region was only created in the late 20th century to serve as a "zone of influence" for it's capital Nantes. It is made up of five very different departments and covers over 32,000km's2. It is a prosperous region with a growing population that now numbers over 3.5 million. The five departments are:

Loire Atlantique - this is the most highly populated department with over 1.2m people living here, many of them in Nantes which is home to the Prefecture. Nantes was described by Time magazine as "the most liveable city in Europe" and is often seen as the most desirable place to live by French citizens. Located on the banks of the Loire river it is jam packed with chateaux, churches and museums and offers a beautiful contrast in architecture between historic and modern. The Chateau des ducs de Bretagne is perhaps the most famous and encapsulates the controversial roots of the city which still sees itself as part of Brittany. Indeed the castle served as the historical centre of Brittany up to separation in 1941. Modern Nantes is a hive of innovation and commerce and the driving force of the regional economy.

The Loire Atlantique has a strong Breton culture and it is worthwhile visiting the harbour in Saint Nazaire, the historic town of Ancenis and the delightful chateau in Chateaubriant.

Maine et Loire - this department has a varied landscape. Both the north and south are fairly hilly with great swathes of forest while the centre of the department sweeps down towards the river valley. The departmental capital is the beautiful city of Angers which lies on both sides of the river Maine, which is spanned by no less than six bridges. The districts alongside the river have many flourishing nurseries and market gardens and are renowned for the quality of their fresh produce and cut flowers. The city of Angers boasts a beautiful 12th century catthedral as well as the huge Chateau d'Angers which is a 9th century castle located on a rocky ridge overhanging the river. The famous liqueur "Cointreau" is produced in Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, a suburb of Angers. Maine et Loire has many navigable rivers making it popular with both locals and tourists who like "messing about on the river". There are countless famous chateaux to explore and the towns of Cholet and Saumur are worthy of visits in their own right.

Mayenne - the inhabitants of this proud and historic department are known as Mayennais which, contrary to popular opinion, is not the source of the word Mayonnaise. Covering over 5,000km2 the department only has a population of 300,000 and property here can prove excellent value for money as prices are generally low. the Prefecture is in the market town of Laval which is located on the river Mayenne close to the border with Brittany. Laval is famous for the production of fine linens but nowadays much of the economy is centred around the excellent technology park which is home to many thriving and innovative companies. Rather confusingly the department also has a prominent town called Mayenne which sits on the river. Sadly it was badly bombed during world war II but it does have an attractive chateau and Romanesque church.

Sarthe - This department is named after the river Sarthe and around 300,000 of it's inhabitants (over half of the population) live in Le Mans. This world famous city is, of course, renowned for the "Le Mans 24 hour classic" - a sports car race that started in 1923 and is commonly known as the grand prix of economy and efficiency. The race begins in mid afternoon and runs for 24 hours over distances of well over 5,000km's. Entrants and spectators come from all over the world and the race has many imitators. Le Mans itself has a beautifully preserved old town with remnants of a Roman wall and Roman baths down by the river. The department of Sarthe has other, historical, towns to visit. La Fleche is the second biggest town in the department and has a castle, grand military school, famous zoo and the lakes of La Monnerie which cover around 50 hectares.

Vendee - the Vendee is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and coastline in France. The coastline extends to over 200km's, most of which offers sandy beaches and safe bathing. Inland is the Marais Poitevin, sometimes known as "the green Venice" where you can explore the 970 km2 marshland by punting along the narrow canals - a unique treat that has tourists flocking in throughout the summer. The department is crossed by four rivers and the prefecture is in the town of La Roche sur Yon. This town was specially chosen by Napoleon 1st to host the prefecture and has expanded ever since. Indeed one of the main sites is the statue of Napoleon (on Napoleon square!) close to St Louis church. Two other towns of note in the department are Les Sables d'Olonne which is a pretty, seaside, town famous for being the start and finish of the Vendee Globe yacht race and Fontenay le Comte which is a historic town of 15,000 inhabitants a little further inland.

The Pays de la Loire has some of the most affordable housing in France but there is a big differential between areas. The average price in the region is €160,000 (for an "old" house) and 2010/11 saw a rise of 4.8% - however these figures do not reflect the difference between the departments of Mayenne (lower prices) and Loire Atlantique (prime prices). For a more accurate picture we have to look at each department individually:

Loire Atlantique - has an average price of €205,000 with a premium paid around Nantes and Saint Nazaire. House prices here rose by 6.8% in 2010/11.
Maine et Loire - has an average price of €155,000 with the highest prices around Angers. This department saw prices rise by 2.7% in 2010/11.
Mayenne - the lowest average price in the region at €115,000, the town of Mayenne is where you will find the cheapest property in the department. In 2010/11 prices fell by 0.4%.
Sarthe - has an average price of €130,000 with a premium around Le Mans. House prices here rose by 3% in 2010/11.
Vendee - house prices here average out at €150,000 with the highest around Sables d'Olonne. House prices rose by 4.7% in 2010/11

The Pays de la Loire is home to a stretch of 200km's of golden sandy beaches. Les sables d'Olonne is a world class sailing centre with a marina that can host over 1,000 yachts, the beach here is superb and the jewel in the crown of this stretch of coastline. Other terrific beaches can be found at Pornichet, Piriac-sur-Mer, St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, St-Jean-de-Monts, and La Tranche-sur-Mer. These stunning beaches are one of the reasons that the Pays de la Loire is so popular with home owners and tourists alike but there are plenty of other things to see and do in the region.

How about winding your way through the vineyards, stopping off to sample and buy some of the local produce, or even take a 1-3 day wine tour? Alternatively The Puy de Fou is a historical theme park which is both educational and fun for all the family. Visitors embark on journeys through time to enjoy lavish historical enactments: in one, a Viking longboat sails downriver to raid a village; in another, a jousting tournament turns into the storming of a medieval keep.

The old town of Le Mans has pretty cobbled streets, wonderful cathedral and plenty of Roman remains to explore....it also hosts the 24 hour classic which is one of the most prestigious and spectacular car racing events in the world.

Planete Sauvage at Port St Pere is a zoo with over 2,000 animals in the park or alternatively you could take a day out at the zoo in La Boissiere du Dore or the fantastic zoo at Doue la Fontaine.

Cadre Noir is the famous equestrian centre and trails in Saumur, it's perfect for hores lovers of all ages and attracts rave reviews from all who visit it.

Golfers will not be disappointed if they buy a home in this region. Golfe de Pornic is over 6,000m long, undulating parkland with plenty of water hazards it is a decent test, as is St Jean de Monts which is one of the best courses in western France. The front nine meander through the pine forest so bring your straightest driver and then the back nine are links holes that follow the ocean....no lofted wedges into the greens here! At just under 6,000m the standard scratch of 73 is a difficult target. If you are feeling fit the 18 hole course in Laval is a keen test at 6,108m but bring your pencil bag as there's plenty of climbing to be done.

There are plenty of fantastic markets in the Pays de la Loire to visit and enjoy. Along the coast you will be able to buy the freshest and most delightful seafood while inland the colours and flavours of the locally produced fruit and veg will knock your socks off. There are too many markets to name them all but we can offer you a small taster from each department:

Loire Atlantique - try the daily market in La Baule (Place Avenue des Ibis), the daily general market in Nantes (Rue de Talensac) or the Sunday market at St Marc sur Mer.
Maine et Loire - Angers has plenty of different markets, you can try those at Place V Bernier, La Fayette, Jeanne D'arc and Boulevard des deux Croix. For a change why not head to the morning market in Doue la Fontaine.
Mayenne - Laval has a general market in the town centre and a Saturday market by the train station. On Sunday you could head to Bazouges for the general market or why not try Port Brillet on a Tuesday or Javron on a Friday.
Sarthe - Le Mans has a host of markets to choose from (try Cite des Maillets, Avenue de Paderborn, Rue Bobillot or Cite de Sablons), or try the Sunday markets in Guecelard, Jupilles, Mayet and Montaille.
Vendee - Les Sables d'Olonne has a market at Les Halles as well as at the Cours du Pont and La Chaume which has a super flower market in July & August. The Sunday markets at St-Gilles Vroix de Vie and St-Hilaire de Riez are good too.

There are plenty of regional specialities to be had in the Pays de la Loire, such as Beurre Blanc sauce and Rillettes, which is a pork dish and speciality speciality of Le Mans. The Sel de Guérande Salt can be found everywhere and the Port Salut cheese is one to look out for in the markets and local supermarkets.