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16th March 2010

Your complete guide to the Pays de la Loire

Welcome to FrenchEntrée Pays de la Loire, your online guide to holidays , property , and life in the Loire Valley. The Pays de la Loire region is in the northwest of France, encompassing the departments of the Vendee (85), Loire Atlantique (44), Maine et Loire (49), Mayenne (53), and Sarthe (72).

The highlights of our site include: Loire Property For Sale , On The Wine Trail , The Chateau File , Loire Holiday Rentals , What’s On guide of events, a Beach Guide , Directory of English-speaking businesses , Loire Food & Drink , Loire Tourist Offices , Life in the Loire real stories , and the Loire Discussion Forum . We also provide essential Emergency Numbers.

Contact FrenchEntrée Pays-de-la-Loire
France Pays de la Loire regional map

Find a property for sale in the Pays de la Loire

Please visit Pays de la Loire property for sale to find a new home in this beautiful part of France.
You can also choose to search Mayenne property for sale and Vendee property for sale .

Flights to the Pays de la Loire

Flights to France Map

Visit the FrenchEntrée Flights to the Pays de la Loire map to view the airlines flying from the UK airports to France.

Holiday accommodation and gite rental in the Vendee, Mayenne, Chateaubriant and Saumur

Detailed information to help you find your perfect holiday destination in the Pays de la Loire. Click here.

Running a business in the Pays de la Loire

Many people dream of moving to France and working for themselves. france pays de la loire running business bar bodegaRead how a father and son realised their ambition and opened a bar in the Pays de la Loire.

Education in the Mayenne

School information listed per town in the Mayenne (north east). Essential details for every parent.

Property for sale in Lassay les Chateaux

Houses for sale and other property for sale in Argentre, Bais, Champgeneteux, Chantrigne, Couptrain, Evron, La Chapelle Rainsouin, Lassay les Chateaux, Louverne, Montsurs, Neuilly le Vendin, Pre-en-Pail, Sainte Gemmes le Robert, Sainte Suzanne and Villaines la Juhel. schools, shops, cinemas, more...

Property, schools, shops and more info on the Vendee (south-east)

Essential housebuyer's guide to Bazoges En Pareds, Benet, La Caillere St Hilaire, Chaille les Marais, La Chataigneraie, Fontenay le Comte, Foussais Payre, L’Hermenault, Maillezais, Mouilleron en Pareds, St Hilaire des Loges, Ste Hermine and Vouvant.

We're connecting you...

france pays de la loire itilities connected  infoad
If you're thinking about how to get a phone line connected in the Pays de la Loire, or the best way to go on-line, or who to ask about gas or electricity supply, then we have the answers.
We have all the information you need to get connected.

British (English) food and drink shops in Chateaubriant, Saumur and Vendee

There's no need to cross the Channel to fill up on your favourite foods from the UK.
france pays de la loire british shop chateaubriant avril You can find anything from HP Sauce to freshly baked scones right here.
Frenchentree Loire has been shopping and here are our top tips for PG Tips in the Pays de la Loire.

Vendee schools (south east)

Detailed guide to education for school-age children in the Vendee (south east).

Cheap property in the Pays de la Loire

Please visit our cheap property in the Pays de la Loire section if you're looking for a bargain buy in this fabulous part of France.

Finding that dream home in the Pays de la Loire

If you're hoping to find the ideal property to suit your needs in the Pays de la Loire then you've certainly found the right place to look.
Large stone farmhouse, second house and pigeonnierWe have gathered information from selected estage agents in the region in our comprehensive search section . You are sure to find something of interest with FrenchEntrée Loire.
Don't forget our Property Guide for further information on buying a home in this wonderful part of France.
You will also find lots of essential information throughout our site to help you every step of the way.

Property for sale in Vouvant, Vendee

Houses for sale and other property for sale in Bazoges En Pareds, Benet, La Caillere St Hilaire, Chaille les Marais, La Chataigneraie, Fontenay le Comte, Foussais Payre, L’Hermenault, Maillezais, Mouilleron en Pareds, St Hilaire des Loges, Ste Hermine and Vouvant.

Isle de Yeu
Loire Boats

Cheap property in the Pays de la Loire

Property in Pays-de-la-Loire

Stone longereFor those looking to buy a property in the region, whether as a permanent or holiday home, the biggest obstacle can be deciding where and what to buy. Here, we talk to our premier partner estate agents based in the region about the property market and what you can get for your money. more...

Cycling Holidays in the Loire Valley

Best way to see the sites

Cycling holidays in the Pays de la LoireAt a time when saving our health and saving the planet is always news, participating in a cycling holiday has the ability to make you feel quite smug – a great holiday all under your own steam... pedal through history...

Vendee property for sale: huge choice at great prices

Learn more about this popular area

france pays de la loire buy property melusine vendeeThe south-east of the Vendee has been a popular destination for house-hunters and the good news is that terrific properties are still available - but don’t wait too long...
a great time to buy...

The Loire Chateau File

Take a tour of the Loire's famous historic buildings

france pays de la loire chateau brissacThe name Loire inspires images of romantic fairytale castles, stories of the Plantagenets and the Medicis and royal intrigue, and lush green valleys and vineyards surrounding the rivers of the area. unrivalled historical architecture...

Mayenne property for sale: Great reasons to buy here

Exploring this popular part of France

france pays de la loire la licorne property mayenne 53The Mayenne Department (county) offers some of the most attractive properties in France at prices often well below the national average. From renovation projects at under €30,000 to the cheapest chateaux in the country, you’ll find them all here. an up-and-coming area...

Bicycle Gourmet's Treasures of France Series

A visit to Coulee de Serrant near Angers

Nicholas Joly pours wineProducer/Director/Author Christopher Strong shares the human, scenic, cultural, culinary, and historic ‘treasures’ discovered during the filming of his TV series “Bicycle Gourmet's Treasures of France.” Here he visits Nicholas Joly at the Coulee de Serrant near Angers and learns about Biodynamics and wine making... exploring France by the back roads...

Chateau bed and breakfast accommodation

Historic buildings to enjoy at the same price as chain hotels

france pays de la loire chateau bed breakfast accommodationMany people dream of staying in a French chateau. Now, that dream could become a reality. Surprisingly, you won’t need a king’s ransom to holiday in a royal palace. Prices vary per property, but they start at... history and romance...

Sarthe superstar

Madonna's French Connection

france pays de la loire madonnaDON’T be surprised if you see Material Girl Madonna getting Into The Groove in Sarthe as the huge international singing star has roots in Department 72.
Madonna is known to be fascinated by genealogy and claims to be related to both the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla (Prince Charles’ wife) and Canadian singer Celine Dion. more...

Pays de la Loire property for sale: our guide

Helping you find that dream home

Gironde houseTaking its name from the 800-mile long river that runs through it, the Pays de la Loire covers a diverse region.
The Loire-Atlantique and Vendee have lovely harbours and sandy beaches, while inland, the Loire valley has beautiful rolling countryside, fairytale chateaux, and vineyards producing some of the best wines anywhere. The Loire is a thriving region... a stunning part of France...

Main Tourist Information Offices in the Loire

Assistance for travellers throughout the region

Tourist Board SymbolVisitors to the Pays de la Loire can benefit from an extensive network of Tourist Information Offices.
Main outlets, like those listed here, offer travellers a wide range of support services and advice.
Smaller Tourist Offices can also be found, although services and opening hours may be restricted. helpful and friendly advice...

Bridge war hero remembered

Astonishing bravery of young dad G.I.

france pays de la loire mcracken mayenne soldier war usaMost people cross a bridge in a Loire town with no idea how a young American soldier gave his life to save the structure during a vicious battle in World War II.
It’s name and a memorial, however, pay tribute to the astonishingly brave act of a North Carolina farm boy that is remembered to this day.
emotional journey for wife...

Retired British couple start new French business

Teachers hope new enterprise will be class act

france pays de la loire business frost teaching maths UKMillions of visitors are drawn to France every year by its many attractions, but learning maths isn’t normally one of them.
One English couple are, however, about to change that... high standard of tuition...

The famous Loire Valley wines

Take a trip On The Wine Trail

Savoie in glassNowhere in the world can match the variety and quality of the Loire Valley’s white, red, rose, sparkling, sweet, and dry wines. You can taste wines of every colour and flavour, with unforgettable fragrances that reflect the region’s unique soil. join in a toast...

Tranquil Mayenne is perfect for retreats

Therapy workshops in the Pays de la Loire

Sous-Carelles B&BWomen and couples will soon have the opportunity to take part in a series of therapeutic retreats being offered in the Mayenne countryside.

the way to de-stress...

Loire's 40 year flight delay for new airport is over

Half a billion euro for Nantes air link

france pays de la loire plane new nantes airport air flightAn airport delay lasting 40 years is finally over and promises to be good news for people travelling to and from the Loire.
In February, 2008, approval was finally given for the construction of a new airport near Nantes. passenger numbers soaring...

Parks and Gardens of the Pays de la Loire

Enjoying the green spaces

Parc Oriental in the Pays de la LoireFrom the gardens of the magnificent Loire chateaux to the largest Japanese garden in Europe to nature reserves, there's a variety of green spaces for every taste... take to the path...

English radio DJ stars on French station

Language no barrier for music fan Mark

france pays de la loire english dj mark harvestFormer train driver Mark Keyton now works on different kinds of tracks as a DJ on French radio. Mark isn’t sure if any other native English speakers are broadcasting in French, but he maybe the only one in the country... an appetite for music...

Renovation projects in France

D-I-Y in the Loire

ScaffoldRenovating a house in the Pays de la Loire, from building methods to products used, can often be very different from renovating in the UK. However, a few things, like delays, seem to be universal to builders everywhere. nailing it the first time...

Renting in the Pays de la Loire often makes sense before buying

Helpful hints

Only a few hours from UKRenting a property instead of buying may seem like a waste of money, but it could turn out to be a shrewd investment. money wise...

Opium grown in the Vendee

Controversial crop produced for industry

france pays de la loire vendee blog jon Doust poppiesSome months ago I noticed with a little more than passing interest some curious plants with serrated leaves that began to sprout in a field not a million miles from where we live. keeping location secret...

Loire woman praises French hospitals after poor NHS care

Cancer survivor now works to help others in France

france pays de la loire cancer support diane bushellWhen Diane Bushell arrived at a London hospital she was told she had wind when she was actually suffering from a burst ovary which later turned out to be cancerous.
To make matters even worse, Diane’s brief and shocking experience at the hands of the NHS also resulted in her contracting MRSA in its filthy wards. Herceptin not rationed in France...

Travelling to and around the Pays de la Loire

Essential flight, rail and road information

TER trainYou can choose from a great range of options when deciding how to reach the Pays de la Loire. Direct flights operate from throughout the UK and Ireland whilst Eurostar will ... Distance is no object...

Vendee swimming pool advice in English

Have fun and add value to your home

france pays de la loire vendee pools display ad copyThe best way to enjoy the glorious French sunshine is to have your own swimming pool.
Take a dip and keep cool in the clear, clean water and then relax by the side in a comfortable chair, with all the comforts of home close at hand....
let the experts take over...

Mayenne English builder and project manager gives top tips on renovations

Using local tradesmen is key to success

france pays de la loire premier property care mayenneSave money and time and avoid an awful lot of stress during a renovation project and call upon a professional project manager. That’s the message from the many satisfied clients of David ... a very high standard...

English beds, mattresses in Mayenne: two and four-drawer divans, memory foam and orthopaedic

Great selection at 'Argos type' prices in the Loire

france pays de la loire beaux reves beds english mayenneAn English couple are offering top quality beds and mattresses imported from Britain at their shop in the Mayenne.
Grace and Dean Trickett opened the doors to Beaux Reves in the ... for all tastes and budgets...
Premier Property Care Franchise Opportunity
Premier Property Care LogoHave the freedom of being self-employed but the security of belonging to an established network by joining us as we expand our Property Care Managers in France
Property in the Mayenne Area
Mayenne Property Finder DirectoryMayenne is a very popular part of France, and you can see why! Rural charm, easy access from the channel ports and reasonable prices make this an ideal place to buy. Let us use our local knowledge as FrenchEntrée’s Mayenne Area Property Finder to help you find your dream house at the best possible price.
Sterling offers!
Tee France - French Legal AdviceIf both you and your seller are British, we can conduct your French property purchase entirely in pounds Sterling. Find out more
Boating Holidays in France
Boating Holidays in France with Le BoatCruise the heart of France along the network of rivers and canals onboard one of Le Boat's luxurious cruisers.


Frozen foods direct from the UK to the Loire
france pays de la loire steve british food in france curry UKBritish-made curries, pies and cakes imported direct from the UK now available in the Pays de la Loire and throughout France. Vegetarian and vegan dishes also on the menu. Click here for details.
Vendeepools provide peace of mind
france pays de la loire vendee pools brian swimmingSwimming pool installation, security fencing, terraces and walls, landscaping, garden and pool maintenance, swimming pool supplies. Your complete one-stop solution is here .
English-speaking builders in the Vendee
Click here for specialists in Vendee construction, restoration, roofing, electrics, fosse septique, plumbing, landscaping and more.

Save a fortune on Euros

Euro NotesIf you need advice or a Euro currency exchange quote, make a no obligation enquiry to Moneycorp, FrenchEntrée's Currency Partner
BGF - a building company you can rely on
BGF builders chateaubriant pays de la loire renovationBGF Chateaubriant covers departments 44, 35, 49 and 53 - Rennes, Nantes, Laval, Redon and Angers. Complete or part renovations, no job is too big or too small, planning permission, general building, septic tank installations, roofing, dry-lining, sandblasting, plastering,rendering, pointing and more....
English mechanic in the Mayenne
Fully qualified and experienced English mechanic in the Mayenne Department. Vehicle repairs and servicing and vehicles bought and sold. Phone David Wright on 06 37 32 08 39 or email here .
france pays de la loire euromayenne integrate in France
Holiday accommodation and gite rental in the Vendee, Mayenne, Chateaubriant and Saumur
france pays de la loire gite mayenne vendee saumurDetailed information to help you find your perfect holiday destination in the Pays de la Loire. Click here.

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Pays de la Loire property for sale

If you are thinking of owning a home in this part of France, please visit Pays de la Loire Property for Sale.

Pays de la Loire Property Guide

For essential information on living in this beautiful area, please visit our Pays de la Loire Property Guide.
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