 |
|
TYPICAL
PROPERTIES FOR SALE |
|
 |
|
|
|
Breton heritage
The Loire-Atlantique department was once a part of Brittany and, culturally, still is. It has a rich landscape of ancient forests, wide beaches and vast vineyards, which produce the infamous Muscadet wine.
|
Seventh largest in France
Nantes, situated on the banks of the River Loire was once the capital of Brittany but is now the capital of Pays de la Loire. It has a number of well-maintained parks, intriguing museums and affordable restaurants and cafés. Together, these create a friendly city with a lively town centre. It is now the seventh largest city in France and the fourth largest port.
|
Packed with history
In the centre of the Loire-Atlantique, you’ll find the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne where the Edict, a landmark civil rights treaty, was signed. It’s well worth taking a look inside, as the castle has had a very active and turbulent history. A long list of notable celebrities have been owners, aggressors, guests or prisoners at the castle over the years.
|
|
|
A second chance
The infrastructure of the town of St-Nazaire suffered a geat deal during the second world war. In the last fifty years, however, the town has been completely re-built around its thriving port. The only remaining physical legacy of the occupation is a German underwater submarine base, which is currently undergoing a massive regeneration project to draw in visitors. Away from the town itself, there are a number of sheltered sandy coves in the vicinity that are well worth seeking out.
|
The Breton Riviera
La Baule is the Loire-Atlantique's answer to the French Riviera. Its affluent housing fronts what is possibly the most attractive beach on the Atlantic Coast. On the promenade you will find the highly recommended, Breizh, a bookshop specialising in Breton culture, politics and language.
|
Gone fishing
Le Croisic is another highly attractive resort though it manages to retain a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. The town's economy revolves mainly around tourism and fishing. Next to the Trehic jetty, you’ll find a fish market where the day’s catch is laid out for sale.
|
|
|
An air of mystery
Moving inland, Châteaubriant is a delightful fortress town with a towering castle, half of which is feudal and the other half of which dates from the Renaissance period. The castle lies amongst dark, forbidding woods interspersed with calm lakes and exudes a unique and mysterious charm.
|
How to get there
Access to the department is fairly easy. There are airports in Nantes and Rennes, both with regular flights from the UK. If you are travelling by train then the TGV will take you to either Nantes or Angers from Paris. The nearest seaport is St-Malo, which can be reached from Portsmouth, Poole and Weymouth.
|
What about the property prices and availability?
Second home buyers tend to favour the countryside around Nantes rather than the city itself. The coastal areas are becoming increasingly popular with British visitors but they still retain a very strong sense of their French identity.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
GUIDES TO LOIRE-ATLANTIQUE |
|
|
|
|
|
AGENTS WITH PROPERTY FOR SALE IN LOIRE-ATLANTIQUE |
|
|
|
