Maine-et-Loire is a department located in Western France's Loire Valley, in the
Pays de la Loire region. The department's prefecture is Angers, a historic city known for its vibrant cultural scene, beautiful gardens, and impressive architecture. In addition to Angers, Maine-et-Loire has three sub-prefectures: Cholet, Saumur, and Segré-en-Anjou Bleu, all charming towns with their own unique character and attractions. The department (number 49) was originally known as Mayenne-et-Loire, but it was renamed to Maine-et-Loire in 1791. The department was formed from most of the former province of Anjou, a historic province known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque countryside, and impressive castles. Today, Maine-et-Loire is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore its historic sites, museums, vineyards and natural beauty.
Discover Maine et Loire - Houses & Lifestyle in Maine et Loire
Maine-et-Loire is a department located in Western France's Loire Valley, in the
Pays de la Loire region. The department's prefecture is Angers, a historic city known for its vibrant cultural scene, beautiful gardens, and impressive architecture. In addition to Angers, Maine-et-Loire has three sub-prefectures: Cholet, Saumur, and Segré-en-Anjou Bleu, all charming towns with their own unique character and attractions. The department (number 49) was originally known as Mayenne-et-Loire, but it was renamed to Maine-et-Loire in 1791. The department was formed from most of the former province of Anjou, a historic province known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque countryside, and impressive castles. Today, Maine-et-Loire is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore its historic sites, museums, vineyards and natural beauty.
A Varied 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 2025
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,175
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,483
- Price trends: +2% over the last 12 months, +46% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Maine‑et‑Loire in 2025
- Average House Price in Angers: €3,250 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Cholet: €1,960 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Saumur: €1,725 per sq. metre
(source:
Le Figaro – October 2025)
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