Property for sale in Loire

Loire, not to be confused with the river valley further west that shares its name, is a largely rural department offering some of the most affordable property in the area around Lyon. A TGV connection keeps Saint-Étienne linked to Paris. With its industrial heritage, Loire is home to Saint-Étienne, once a major centre for coal mining and manufacturing, and still home to one of France's original tram networks. Away from the best-known sites, buyers will find the wooded hills of the Monts du Forez, and the Pilat regional park, both offering countryside within a short drive of Lyon. Loire is also known for offering better value than nearby Lyon, while keeping the city within an hour by train. A temperate climate brings warm summers and cool winters. Property ranges from a townhouse in Saint-Étienne, a rural property in the Monts du Forez or a farmhouse within commuting distance of Lyon, Loire offers affordability. With industrial heritage, countryside and good value, it is a department well worth considering. On the local market, houses in Loire average €3,219/m².