Our Guide to the Western Loire Region

Why Western Loire is Known as the Golden Region of France

The stunning Western Loire region, known as Pays de la Loire, is one of France's true highlights. With rolling countryside, beautiful rivers and stunning chateaux, there is much more to this region than just its famous wine – though, of course, there’s plenty of that to enjoy too.

A Land of Ever-Changing Scenery

Comprising five departments, stretching from the southern edge of Normandy down to the border of Charente-Maritime on the western coast, it offers one of the most captivating landscapes in the country. From miles of open countryside to lively cities with events throughout the year, Pays de la Loire is among the best places to buy a home in France.

Climate for Growth & Outdoor Living

Its climate is warm in summer – the Pays de la Loire area is often called the "Garden of France" thanks to its abundance of grapes, other fruits, and vegetables grown in ideal conditions. However, there is still frost through the winter and rainfall in the autumn, ensuring the countryside stays lush and green.

A Wine Lover's Paradise in the Loire

Pays de la Loire is rightly known for its wines. Driving through the Sarthe, Mayenne and Maine-et-Loire departments, you’ll soon notice how much of the farmland is filled with vines. The region has many leading wine estates, and there’s no shortage of tasting opportunities. It is also renowned for its châteaux, often open to explore along with their beautiful grounds, including formal gardens.

Major Cities in Western Loire (Pays de Loire)

Le Mans, Angers and Cholet are just some of the cities in the heart of Pays de la Loire, while Saint-Nazaire and La Roche-sur-Yon are all bustling destinations closer to the coast, where the Loire-Atlantique and Vendée departments have long stretches of golden sandy beaches.

Coastal Treasures Along the Atlantic

The most famous coastal town is Les Sables d’Olonne, but travel north or south from here, and you’ll find miles of inviting beaches that are often all but deserted. La Tranche-sur-Mer, to the south, is a particular highlight and a great spot to go to the Ocean for water sports and sailing. The fishing village of Pornic, known for its beaches and charming harbour, is another gem along the Atlantic coast, offering a relaxing getaway.

Key Facts about Western Loire (Pays de Loire)

• Capital city: Nantes
• Population: Approx. 3.8 million (around 5.7% of France's 68 million population
• Area: 32,082 sq. kilometres (12,387 square miles), about 5.8% of France's total area.
• Density: About 118 inhabitants per sq. kilometre, slightly above the national average of 106

Essential Tourist Information

• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 19 million.
• Km of Coastline: Approximately 450 km
• Km of Beaches: Approximately 215 km
• Km of the Loire River: Approximately 250 km
• Highest Peak: The region is relatively flat; the highest point is Mont des Avaloirs (417 meters).
• Average Sunshine Hours/Year: Around 1,800 hours
• Châteaux in the Region: Approx. 1 200 châteaux, including Château d'Angers (Maine-et-Loire), Château de Brissac (Maine-et-Loire) and Château de Montsoreau (Maine-et-Loire).
• Most Famous Landmark: Château d'Angers
• Golf Courses in the Region: Approximately 33 golf courses

How to Travel to Western Loire

The main cities are Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Laval and Saint-Nazaire. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.

Airports Serving the Region

• Nantes Atlantique Airport
• Angers Loire Airport
• Le Mans Arnage Airport
• Laval-Entrammes Airport
• Saint-Nazaire Montoir Airport

Main Train Stations & TGV Links

• Nantes Station
• Angers Saint-Laud Station
• Le Mans Station
• Laval Station
• Saint-Nazaire Station

Top Attractions in Western Loire

• Château d'Angers
• Nantes
• Angers
• Le Mans and its 24 Hour Racing track
• Laval
• Saint-Nazaire
• Le Lude
• The Loire Valley
• The Atlantic Coast
• Le Puy du Fou (historical theme park)
• Les Sables d'Olonne, hosts of the Vendée Globe boat race
• The islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu
• Zoo in La Flèche

National Parks in Western Loire (Pays de Loire)

• Parc national de Brière (shared with Brittany)

Regional Nature Parks

• Parc naturel régional de Brière
• Parc naturel régional Loire-Anjou-Touraine
• Parc naturel régional du Marais Poitevin (shared with Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes

Economic Overview & Key Industries in Western Loire

• Economic Strength: Pays de la Loire is recognised for its diverse economy, boasting strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and technology.
• Gross Domestic Product: Approx. €137 billion (2022), around 5% of France's total GDP.
• Economy: Services 65% (tourism, healthcare and education, technology and innovation), industry 30% (manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, automotive and food processing) and agriculture 5% (dairy production, livestock farming and viticulture with 40,000 hectares of vineyards)
• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 6.5% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include the University of Nantes, University of Angers, University of Le Mans, and the University of La Roche-sur-Yon.
• Regional Specialities: Pays de la Loire is renowned for its wines, particularly Muscadet and those from the Anjou region. The region is also famous for its seafood, including Atlantic coast oysters and mussels. Traditional dishes such as fouée (a type of bread), rillettes (a pork dish), and beurre blanc (a white butter sauce) are also notable specialities. Additionally, the region is renowned for its dairy products, including a wide range of cheeses.

Property Prices in Western Loire in 2025

• Houses - the average price per sq. metre: €2,222 (source Fnaim - 2025)
• Apartments - average price per sq. metre: €2,821 (source Fnaim - 2025)
• Price trends - average price change over the last 12 months: -2 %

Western Loire at a Glance

Take a glance at our infographic below to learn more facts and numbers about this region of France. Click on the links on this page to explore a specific department in Pays de Loire, use our drawmap to narrow your search and browse through our properties in Western Loire.