Buying French Property Think Loire Valley

Buying property in France is still a desire by many overseas property buyers this is despite the rise of cheaper markets such as Bulgaria. The French way of life, countryside and low property prices puts France on the map for international property buyers. The UK overseas buyer has traditionally been the middle classes seeking retirement however recent evidence now suggests a change. First time buyers unable to afford UK house prices are now heading to France. Many see this as a way of getting on the property ladder whilst still living and working in the UK.

France is a vast country and the first thing a buyer needs to do is identify which region they favour. One region that is becoming increasingly popular is the Loire Valley Region.

Covering much of two French regions and a number of departments, the Loire River has several large cities along its banks and not far from it. For centuries, the Loire was one of the major highways of France, transporting goods and people from the heartland of the country to the coast and beyond. Although it is not the transportation route it once was, the valley still holds a distinct place within the country. The major part of the Loire valley runs through the Centre region and westward through the Pays de la Loire region to the ocean. The principle economic activities are tourism focused on the chateaux and historic sites, agriculture ' particularly vineyards and wines ' and light to medium industry.

The Loire River is the longest river in France, beginning in the southeast part of the country not far from the Alps. It runs northward and then westward to the Atlantic Ocean. The area that is commonly called the Loire Valley is located along the central and western stretches of the river, from Nevers to Orleans, then through Tours, Angers and Nantes before emptying in the ocean. This is the part of the river that has hundreds of the most famous and spectacular chateaux in the world, as well as many other historical and cultural sites and wineries.

The Loire Valley has enough major cities, countryside and small towns to give just about anyone what they want for real estate. Land, apartments, condominiums, country houses and inexpensive places to spend a few nights a month or year are all available here. Being such a popular area with many well known historical areas and wineries, much of the property is not cheap, though. Housing can be found in cities such as Nantes, Le Mans and Tours, as well as the many small towns in the country. Getting something along the river will be more expensive, as the climate makes it great wine country and the land comes at a premium.