Guide to Maine-et-Loire & Property in Department 49

Maine-et-Loire is a department in Western France's Loire Valley, part of the Pays de la Loire region. Its prefecture, Angers, is a historic city famed for its lively cultural scene, stunning gardens, and impressive architecture. Besides Angers, the department has three sub-prefectures: Cholet, Saumur, and Segré-en-Anjou Bleu, each with its own distinct charm and attractions. Originally called Mayenne-et-Loire, department number 49 was renamed Maine-et-Loire in 1791. It was created mostly from the former province of Anjou, known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic countryside, and impressive castles. Today, Maine-et-Loire is a favourite destination for tourists worldwide,…

Maine-et-Loire is a department in Western France's Loire Valley, part of the Pays de la Loire region. Its prefecture, Angers, is a historic city famed for its lively cultural scene, stunning gardens, and impressive architecture. Besides Angers, the department has three sub-prefectures: Cholet, Saumur, and Segré-en-Anjou Bleu, each with its own distinct charm and attractions. Originally called Mayenne-et-Loire, department number 49 was renamed Maine-et-Loire in 1791. It was created mostly from the former province of Anjou, known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic countryside, and impressive castles. Today, Maine-et-Loire is a favourite destination for tourists worldwide, who visit to explore its historic sites, museums, vineyards, and natural landscapes.

A Varied Loire Landscape

Maine-et-Loire is surrounded by several departments, including Ille-et-Vilaine, Mayenne, Sarthe, Indre-et-Loire, Vienne, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée, and Loire-Atlantique. The department has a varied landscape, with forested hills in the south and north, separated by the valley of the Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its landscapes, history and cultural significance.

Outdoor Fun and Water Activities

The area is also home to many navigable rivers, such as the Loire, Sarthe, Mayenne, Loir and Authion, which are popular for boating, fishing and other water activities. Additionally, several leisure lakes in the region offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and other outdoor activities during the summer months.

Key Information about the Maine-et-Loire (49)

• Main City/Prefecture: Angers  
• Nearest Airport: Nantes Atlantique Airport
• Population: Around 818,000 (as of the latest census)  
• Area: 7,166 sq. kilometres and 2,767 sq. miles  
• Landmark: Château d'Angers, a medieval fortress housing the Apocalypse Tapestry.  
• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 3 million, drawn by its Loire Valley châteaux, vineyards and UNESCO-listed landscapes.

Property Prices in Maine‑et‑Loire in 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,136 (April 2026)
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,423 (April 2026)
• Price trends: -2% over the last 12 months, +38% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Maine‑et‑Loire in 2026

• Average House Price in Angers: €3,286 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Cholet: €2,133 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Saumur: €2,056 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)

If you are looking for a property in this area of the Loire Valley, please get in touch with your search criteria.