The Centre Region, as its name suggests, is situated in Central France. It is a vast region comprising of six French departments - Cher, Eure et Loir, Indre, Indre et Loire, Loir et Cher and Loiret - and is dominated by the beautiful Loire Valley. The land here is fertile with local agriculture making a hugely important contribution to the region's economy. Additionally, there is an abundance of French property available for renovation in the Centre Region, as well as beautiful rural properties with land and even inexpensive chateaux.
Being a landlocked region, the climate in the Centre Region is more extreme than along the North and West coasts of France. Summers are generally hot, with the temperature regularly climbing to 35°c or more. The winters on the other hand are cold and dry. Autumn and spring bring much welcome rainfall to the region, keeping the area in tip-top condition for growing crops, and of course, vines.
The Loire Valley is in fact well known throughout the world for its vineyards. Sauvignon, Cabernet and Pinot wines are made here from the grapevines that adorn the south-facing hills. All in all, twenty-two wines of note are produced in this region alone. Additionally, some of the world's best-known cheeses are made in the Centre Region. The two cheeses most people are familiar with are the Crottin de Chavignol and the Sainte-Maure de Touraine.
For buyers of French property there are many places to search for that dream chateau or villa in France. Locations along the Loire River, Indre River and the Cher River are highly sought after, especially between Tours and the likes of Blois, Vierzon and Chatellerault. The city of Tours itself offers many property purchasing opportunities as well as excellent shopping and good services. During the summer months though, the city and its surroundings can become overwhelmed with tourists visiting the Loire Valley.
Further to the north-east of Tours is Orleans. This is the city that Joan of Arc saved, and it offers spectacular views of the Loire River from across the north bank. The Cathedrale Sainte-Coix resides in the city, and to the north and east of the city is the vast Forest of Orleans, in which are dotted some exquisite villages and hamlets.
If you're looking for cheap or unusual Centre Region property, the area between Bourges and Chateauroux is well worth consideration also. A fully renovated 3-bed cottage property in Ardentes, 20 kms from Chateauroux was recently on the market for 122,000 euros, while a fully renovated watermill set upon one of the many rivers in the region was available for a mere 350,000 euros.
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