top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French property watch: Pays de la Loire

This month: Pays de la Loire

REGIONAL CAPITAL: Nantes

DEPARTMENTS: Loire-Atlantique, Sarthe, Vendée, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne

MAIN CITIES: Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Saint-Nazaire, Laval, Saumur, La Roche-sur-Yon, Cholet, Les Sables-d’Olonne

Nantes, the historic capital of the ancient kingdom of Brittany, is not in Brittany. Since 1958, it has been capital of the neighbouring region of Pays de la Loire.

If that is not confusing enough, most of the romantic chateaux of the Loire Valley are in the neighbouring Centre-Val de Loire region and not the Pays de la Loire, despite the reference to the river in the name.

But it boasts an impressive heritage. In historic terms, Pays de la Loire covers parts of the old provinces of Brittany, Anjou, Maine and Poitou, which means it is home to the castles of Angers, Laval, and Mayenne, the Nantes Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Royal Fontevraud Abbey, and the city of Le Mans.

There is, of course, also the giant mechanical elephant that walks the streets of Nantes in honour of author Jules Verne, who was born in the city.

The bustle of Paris is just a two-hour drive away, making the region a popular destination for those looking for a break from the capital, while Nantes airport offers flights to the UK and a host of European – and non-European – countries.

Britons are increasingly discovering this rolling, romantic part of France, in which 3.55million people live in an area just a little larger than Belgium, a country with a population of some 11.3million.

The median price (the exact price where half of the houses sold are for less and half for more) for a non-new-build house in Angers is €242,500, notaire sales figures show. The same in Nantes is €358,000 and €235,000 in Les Sables-d’Olonne

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France