Two Houses in Northern French Village with Garden & River
EUR 140,000
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Pretty cottage in great position next to chateau and river with large outbuilding
EUR 159,000
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Renovated farmhouse, outbuildings and c2.7Ha
EUR 216,740
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Le Mans
Needless to say, Sarthe’s capital Le Mans is famous for its annual motor race. Less people know of its historic town centre, (which has been carefully restored in recent years) and its superb views across the Sarthe River. The town is located on a rocky outcrop with an impressive cathedral looking down on it from the other side of the river.
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A regional stronghold
William the Conqueror, seeking to expand his duchy, took charge of the town and transformed it into a major base for the Angevin kings as they attempted to take the English throne. The town prospered immensely after the 100 years war, as is evident by the large number of affluent houses from this period. The town’s Gallo-Roman walls, complete with inhabitable houses, are the best preserved in Europe.
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Start your engines
It was the local Bellee family who can be thanked for bringing motor vehicles to the town when they started up the first factories. There is a car museum in the south of the city next to the motor racing track. Le Mans was established as an important racing venue from 1906 onwards. In 1923, the idea was formed to have an annual endurance race lasting 24 hours.
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The cathedral
The cathedral is an impressive mix of different architectural styles ranging from the 11th to the 15th Centuries. The outside looks quite chaotic, with its many buttresses scaling the different buildings. On the inside you can trace the expansion of the church over the years. There is a small Romanesque nave with Gothic arches to one side. Inside is one of the oldest examples of stained glass windows in France. The other half of the Cathedral suddenly changes into Gothic architecture, although there is a 13th Century choir and 15th Century transepts.
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Artistically renowned
The Musee de Tesse is Le Mans’ fine arts museum. Inside you will be able to see the Plantagenet Enamel, the biggest medieval artefact crafted from enamel in Europe. The piece shows the influence that Byzantine art has had upon the region. The enamel used in this and a number of other items in the museum came from Limoges.
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How to get there
Getting from Paris to Le Mans couldn’t be easier. There is a TGV, as well as a Eurolines coach service, operating directly between the two cities.
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What about Le Mans property prices and availability?
The Le Mans property market has slowed down in recent years with less of an increase in prices. There is a good rental market in the valleys around the town where most visitors choose to stay. In Le Mans itself, renting can only be guaranteed for the annual race.
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HOTELS IN LE MANS
* online booking & great prices
* up-to-the-minute availability
* unbiased hotel reviews
* full confirmation with directions |
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AGENTS WITH PROPERTY IN THIS AREA |
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4/5