 The Western Loire (Pays de la Loire) is made up of five departments that border the Loire Valley between Angers and Nantes in Northwestern France. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists visiting France, and is a highly desirable region in which to buy French property. All tastes are catered for in this region, so whether you're looking for dramatic landscapes that take in pine forests and sand dunes or a cosy cottage in a picture-postcard village, the Western Loire is sure to have something to suit your tastes.
Between the departments of the Loire Atlantique and the Vendee the Western Loire possesses some four hundred and fifty kilometres of breathtaking coastline along the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. It takes in some magnificent locations such as La Baule - perhaps the most beautiful beach in all of Europe - St Nazaire, St Jean de Monts, Croix de Vie and Les Sables D'Olonne. Sandy beaches, spectacular rocky outcrops and secluded bays await, together with coastal chateaux - once holiday homes to the French aristocracy - many of which are now open to the public.
But, despite being a 'coastal' area, the Western Loire enjoys a surprisingly warm climate. During the summer months temperatures can rival that of Provence and Aquitiane while during the winter the Western Loire's proximity to the ocean keeps it generally mild or very mild. Along the coast, sea breezes during the summer help to moderate the temperature, making such areas ideal for days spent on the beach or exploring the coastline.
Further inland, many spectacular cities, towns and villages offer plenty of choice for the Western Loire property buyer. Nantes - birthplace of the French writer Jules Verne - with its 1,500 acres of gardens and parks that flank the Loire River is a great place to start your search for French property. The Vendee to the south of Nantes is another attractive region, and is the focus for many buyers who are looking for exclusive countryside properties. Prices are fairly reasonable in the Vendee - a fully renovated 3-bed maison de ferme in a rural area setting buyers back around 100,000 euros.
Following the Loire Valley to the east reveals some of the most beautiful French villages and hamlets you're ever likely to see. If you want to find these hidden treasures start you search for the Western Loire property of your dreams in the triangle between Laval, Ancenis and Saumur.
New property builds and land on which to construct that dream villa in France can be readily purchased right across the Western Loire. Also, properties in need of renovation - especially in village locations - can easily be found too. A sizeable village house in the small village of L'Absie in the Vendee was recently on the market for just 33,000 euros.
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