 |
|
TYPICAL
PROPERTIES FOR SALE |
|
 |
Village House for Renovation with Land
EUR 142,000
More info...
|
|
|
|
|
Birth of the Loire
The Loire department is, in fact, nowhere near the valley of the same name. It is located in the north west of the Rhone Alps, bordering Burgundy and Auvergne. The Loire River runs straight through the centre, neatly dividing the department in two, on its long journey across France. It is one of France’s most industrialized areas, yet also has a dynamic landscape with high, forested mountains, low-lying valleys and vast areas of marshland.
|
Centre of industry
St-Etienne is the capital of the department. It is a bustling, industrial city that may seem a bit grey at first sight but contains a number of attractions. The town has three acclaimed museums. The Musee d’Art et d’Industrie exhibits everything from weapons to silk. In La Terrasse, the northern part of the city, you’ll find the esteemed Musee d’Art Moderne abounding with photos, paintings and sculptures from the 20th and 21st Centuries. Lastly, the Musee de la Mine will take you underground to give you a sense of what it is like to work as a coal miner.
|
Going back millennia
Roanne, situated in the very north of the department, was already a thriving town at the time Jesus was born. In the 11th Century the local lords built a fortress here that can still be seen today. In 1883 the creation of a canal to link it with Digoin ensured that it would become a centre of trade. Today it is one of France's top textile producers.
|
|
|
Into the valley
Tucked away in the Vizery valley is the charming market town of Montbrison. The Monts du Forez look down on the town from a height of 5,278 feet. If you follow the valley down you will pass peaks that were once fiery volcanoes.
|
Getting there by air
There’s a lot of choice when it comes to flying. British Airways flies to Lyon Airport from Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester. Air France has services from Heathrow to Lyon Airport. British Airways also flies to Geneva airport just over the Swiss border. On top of this there are a host of budget airlines making the trip to the Alps. Flybe and Jet2 fly to Chambéry and Geneva. EasyJet flies to Geneva from Manchester, Gatwick and Liverpool. Aer Lingus also do flights into Geneva from the UK. After a quick comparison of their prices and a look at a map you shouldn’t have any trouble in working out the best flight for you.
|
..and by train
If taking to the skies is not for you then there is an easy alternative. The TGV service will take you all the way to Lyon from the Channel Tunnel (changing at Paris) in comfort and speed.
|
|
|
What about Loire property prices and availability?
Loire, being the less touristy department out of the Rhone Alps, offers the cheapest properties. We currently have a large villa 20 minutes from St-Etienne and 30 minutes from Lyon for €335,000.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
