Loire Valley description

The Loire Valley is predominantly rural; it is the second largest agricultural region of France. The area has many small towns and pretty river valley villages. There is a strong sense of family, community, respect and manners, which no doubt contributes to it having one of the lowest crime rates in France. The Loire Valley is easily accessed by road (less than 3 hours drive from the ferry ports and 5 hours from the Channel Tunnel), by rail (Eurostar and TGV) and by air (with nearby airports at Nantes, Angers, Tours, Poitiers, Rennes and Paris). Travelling south from the Channel, the Loire Valley is the first region that you come where you find a noticeable improvement in the weather and particularly the temperature. Far enough from the coast not to carry the stridency of the Atlantic maritime weather patterns, the region takes its influence from the South-West (the Aquitaine) and as such, it has a micro climate that provides long, warm summers and short, mild winters. The Loire Valley is predominantly rural; it is the second largest agricultural region of France. Due to the nature of the economy, it has avoided becoming a ‘Little Britain’ and whilst there are large cities, in the main, the area has many small towns and villages. There is a strong sense of family, community, respect and manners, which no doubt contributes to it having one of the lowest crime rates in France. Award winning scenery The region is particularly beautiful, receiving its accolade as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. Its beauty has transcended time and it has been a favourite of most of the Kings of France, hence the fantastic châteaux that can be found throughout the region; along with nature reserves and parks with abundant wildlife and rare birds. The valley takes its name from the La Loire, one of the largest free flowing rivers in Europe. Along with its principal tributaries, the Le Loir, Sarthe, Mayenne and Thouet, the region has over 250 miles of natural waterways dotted with islands accessible only by boat. The soft creamy limestone that is traditional to the region makes for buildings that gently blend into the landscape. Over the centuries, the removal of the limestone to build the villages and towns of the Loire Valley, has created fabulous caves that are used to this day to grow mushrooms, for wine-tasting and storage and even to house restaurants and family homes. The region boasts several wealthy departments (Maine-et-Loire and Sarthe) and benefits from an exceptional infrastructure, which is an important consideration when choosing where to buy, especially if it is to become a primary residence. Centre of excellence Transport links are excellent. Paris is only an hour away by train and the channel ports just a short three-hour drive. There are regional airports at Tours, Angers and Nantes with regular flights to a wide range of UK locations. If you yearn for the sea, in less than 2 hours you can be in an exclusive beach resort on the Atlantic coast. As you drive south from the Channel ports, the Loire Valley is the first region that you come where you find a noticeable improvement in the weather and particularly the temperature. Far enough from the coast not to carry the stridency of the Atlantic maritime weather patterns, the region takes its influence from the South-West (the Aquitaine) and as such, it has a micro climate that provides long, warm summers and short, mild winters. This mild, temperate climate has prompted the region to be known as ‘The Garden of France’ - it is a nationally renowned centre for growing many fruits and vegetables, most notably grapes for wines, but also apples, melons, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, asparagus to name but a few. It is also known for its sunflowers (grown for their oil) which paint the landscape bright yellow during the summer months. Buying at sensible prices The Loire Valley is still a region where you can get a good deal on land and property. It has been somewhat overlooked in the rush by many British buyers to migrate south. Whilst you can no longer get a renovation project for 10,000 Euros, you can still find a plot of building land for less about 30,000 Euros; a restoration project for under 75,000 Euros, a small habitable property for 60,000 Euros and a restored 3 bedroom farm house for under 200,000 Euros. The Sarthe (department 72) and particularly the Le Loir valley, is predicted to become a property hot spot. It is particularly attractive, with an undulating landscape and several beautiful towns bordering the meandering river, with house prices traditionally lower than other parts of the region. Thanks to a recently opened exit off the new A28 Autoroute, prices here are set to rise as it is now within easy reach of not only the UK but also Le Mans and Paris. Touring through time and beauty For history buffs or those who just want to soak up the splendour, there are numerous châteaux and gardens to visit from the substantial medieval type structures such as Le Plessis-Bouré to the extraordinarily elaborate, neo-gothic edifice of Challian La Potherie. In addition to the Châteaux (there are over 1100 in the region), there are many other buildings of historic interest such as churches and abbeys. Places like the Abbey at Fontrevraud where Richard Lionheart is buried and the medieval town of Chinon, where Joan of Arc passed through on her fateful journey to Orléans to see the Dauphine. The centre of Le Mans is Jacobean and surrounded by walls that date back to Roman times and both Tours and Angers have impressive historic centres; Tours being the former capital of France and home to the Plantagenet kings who ruled both France and England in the Middle Ages. The many rivers and lakes mean that there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, water and jet skiing, swimming and boating, walking, hiking and bike riding, all of which prove popular. Those keen on horse riding need to look no further than Saumur, the home of the French National riding school, it is also the headquarters of the Cadre Noir, the famous French mounted cavalry regiment. In addition to being able to ride out inexpensively for pleasure, you can also watch the regular public displays and competitions of the Cadre Noir, often held in the town centre of Saumur. And, for those into cars and motorcycles, Le Mans is a ‘must visit’ not only for the racing but also the car museum. Last, but not least, for those who love to shop there is always an excuse for ‘retail therapy’. The boutiques in Angers rival those in Paris; there are weekly local markets in most of the small towns where you can bag a bargain and pick up fresh local produce. Of course, the region is famous for its wines – some of the finest and well known labels are to be found in the Loire Valley - the sweet white wines of Coteaux du Layon, the heavier reds of Chinon and Bourgeuil. Some of the sparkling wines of the region based around the château town of Saumur are infinitely superior and certainly less expensive than many types of champagne. To ‘try before you buy’ is actively encouraged and wines can be sampled in locations as diverse as tiny local limestone caves to the elegant tasting rooms of some of the most famous names in the industry. The French take eating and meal times very seriously. The region has several particular specialities that make it stand out from the crowd. Le Mans is the birthplace of ‘rillettes’ - a pork dish akin to pâté with variations using other meats and fish. The Loire Valley is the largest mushroom growing area in the world, with an abundance of mushrooms grown in caves all along the escarpment of the river and wild in the woods and forests, where occasionally you will be lucky enough to come across truffles. Thanks to its many rivers and lakes, fresh water fish abound - the most popular is ‘sandre’ (perch), a delicate white fish often simply served with a beurre blanc. Other local specialities include eels (anguilles) and pike (brochet). If you like meat, the ‘chasse’ or ‘hunt’ ensures that game features heavily on the menu: rabbit, pheasant, venison and even wild boar. The joy of visiting the region is that dining can be anything from casual to formal. You can eat out well at a local auberge and have a 3-course meal including wine for as little as 15 Euros or indulge yourself and dine in luxury at a château for considerably more!