PAYS DE LA LOIRE

The river Mayenne gives its name to the town and the département of the Mayenne which because of its proximity to the Orne, is often associated with Normandy.

The Mayenne department is mainly made up of rolling countryside, and is split up into hundreds of small farms, some large forests, and lots of rivers and streams. Fishing is a passion, and all the rivers and most of the streams are stocked with trout. It is crisscrossed by roads and little lanes, all in excellent condition and little used, which makes driving or bicycle riding a pleasure, and walks are well marked and plentiful.

For noticeably better weather, it is generally recognized that you need to be south of the River Loire. The Vendée enjoys a very pleasant climate, although near the coast it can be subject to Atlantic mist and storms. One of the reasons the area is so popular is that it is within a fairly easy drive of the Channel ports. (6 - 6 ½ hours from Calais). If you have a property inland, you could be in the coastal resort of, for example, les Sables-d'Olonne, in an hour or so. La Rochelle is also easily accessible.

Rolling Wiltshire countryside might be a good description of the inland landscape of the Vendée, and property prices are still at reasonable levels - that is, less than in parts of Normandy and Brittany.

The Loire Valley has a reputation of its own, and conjures up visions of beautiful châteaux. It is an area rich in history and architecture, access is easy via the TGV and the airports at Nantes and Tours. The nearest ports are Caen and St. Malo. The climate is kind, with long hot summers - very good for fruit, vegetables, sunflowers and, of course, vines, which are grown here.

U.K. and French history has been intertwined for centuries, and King Henry ll of England, for example, was also the Count of Anjou, and had his seat at Chinon. Happily, the relationship between our countries no longer depends on bloodshed and domination, but more on relaxation and pleasure. What more pleasant area than the Loire Valley, now classified as a world heritage site? The Parc Naturel Régional, Loire, Anjou and Touraine are 'musts' to explore. Saumur, with the Loire running through it, has the imposing Château de Saumur dominating the town.

Being châteaux and wine country, prices for substantial properties can be very high.

VIEW ALL PROPERTIES

As well as providing some very general information, these notes reflect my own impressions following many visits to France. They are, however, no substitute for the very good and interesting books which are available. William Pearson©