The Loire Valley, known as the ‘garden of France’ is a popular spot with overseas buyers and it’s not difficult to see why! The area offers history and beauty, with part of the valley declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000. Here are four destinations that typify the lure of the Loire.

Nantes

Located in Upper Brittany, primarily on the rivers northern bank, Nantes serves as gateway to the Loire valley thanks to its international airport. Well thought-out contemporary structures that sit comfortably alongside their historic neighbours, combined with its status as the best city in France to work, ensure Nantes is rated as one of the best places to live in this diverse country. Tourists make the pilgrimage here to classic sights like the 15th-century château of the Dukes of Brittany, before heading east to discover the valley’s stunning natural beauty.

The average property price here is 3 810€ / m²

Nantes

Nantes

Amboise

If the region’s iconic châteaux, with their crenelated towers and soaring cupolas, stoke the romantic flames within, then Amboise is a must on your viewing trip list. Purchase a home around here and you could be neighbours with the likes of Mick Jagger, who owns his very own castle in the area. It’s not just Sir Mick who fell for the town’s charms, Leonardo da Vinci drew inspiration from Amboise over 500 years ago and is laid to rest here. Impressively, the town has changed very little in the meantime.

Property prices here are reasonable at an average of 1 890€ / m².

Angers

Nestled in the heart of the Pays de la Loire on the regions western fringes, Angers perfectly combines a student inspired contemporary edge with its proud history – its home to the famous 14th-century Tenture de l’Apocalypse and 20th-century Chant du Monde tapestries. The transient student population, which numbers up to 38,000, has inspired a thriving café culture within the city’s attractive old town. This is great news for anyone considering dipping their toes into the local rental market.

The average property price here is 2 720€ / m².

Angers

Angers

Montresor, Candes-St-Martin and Le Grand-Pressigny

If a rural retreat that’s reminiscent of the bucolic best of England’s Home Counties is more your thing, the Loire Valley is awash with ancient villages. Eight of which have been awarded Plus Beaux Villages de France (France’s most beautiful villages) status. These include Montresor, home to the delightful Chateau de Montresor; Candes-St-Martin, where you’ll find an impressive fortified collegiate church; and Le Grand-Pressigny with its chateau ruins and prehistoric history.

The average property price for this area is 1 140€ / m².

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Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday home in France by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family.

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