Ivan Gillis

French City on Western Edge of Loire Valley Offers Reasonably Priced Real Estate

French Condos Starting at Around $145,000 USD

Angers, France

Angers (population 150,000) is a busy city in the western Loire valley in northwestern France and was once the capital of the province of Anjou.  It is home to two imposing castles, the wonderful twin-spiraled Cathedral of Saint Maurice (12th and 13th centuries) and the massive and foreboding Château of Angers (13th century).  Angers is considered by many to be one of the prettiest cities in France; the Maine river runs through the center of town, and blooming gardens, tapestry museums, fine restaurants and a tranquil ambiance make Angers, just 185 miles from Paris, an appealing place to live.

Real estate, as would be expected in a city with a lengthy history, comes in all sizes and shapes.  Small condominiums with 500 sq. ft. to 700 s. ft. in sleek new buildings start at around $145,000 USD (although some units with 350 sq. ft. sell for $100,000 USD or so).  Larger units with 1,000 sq. ft. are for sale from $250,000 USD; prices go up from there as space is at a premium, as it is in most European cities.  Small, single family homes with two bedrooms, a bath and a garden start at around $225,000 USD.  Outside of the city, in the Loire Valley, better deals can be found.  Here small homes, many constructed of stone, with two to three bedrooms, gardens, stables and some land are for sale starting at around $210,000 USD.

The Gauls, Romans, Normans, English and Huguenots have all laid claim to Angers during various periods of history.  The Loire Valley, the region in which Angers sits, is wine-producing country, and vineyards dot the countryside.  There are also castles, many inhabited, throughout the lush landscape, giving the area a storybook look.   Angers itself is known for its Cointreau liqueur, holds popular wine festivals each year and has been awarded the prestigious "Villes d'Art et d'Histoire" ("Towns and Country, Art and History") label from the Department of Architecture and Heritage for the care it has taken to protect its history.  Today Anger's castles are museums, and its ancient walkways welcome modern French citizens (and a few expatriates) who enjoy a robust, modern city with a strong respect for its intriguing past.

When searching on Google or Yahoo for property in Angers or in the surrounding countryside, use the keyword phrase "angers france homes for sale."