Guide to Loire
The Loire (department number 42) is located in the region of the Rhône-Alpes. Situated in south eastern France, the department is named after the Loire river which flows straight down the middle of the department. The Loire department in the Rhône-Alpes should not be confused with the Loire Valley in central France which is further north west.
The numbers in the highlighted areas indicate properties available in that area.
The capital of the department is the city of Saint Étienne, with the towns of Montbrison and Roanne also of interest.
Why you should visit Loire for your next holiday in France
Although there is much industrialisation in the Loire, there are also forests, snow capped mountains, lakes, rivers and lovely lush valleys.
What to see in Loire
Saint Étienne
Saint Étienne is the capital of the Loire department. It boasts three museums with the modern art museum, Musée d'Art Moderne, coming close to the museums in Paris and New York's Museum of Modern Art in terms of content.
One of the most interesting and different museums is one dedicated to helping us understand mining. The Musée de la Mine is on the site of the largest mine from the 20th century. You can actually take a trip down the mine shaft and see what it is like working in a mine. The exhibition follows the route of a miner throughout his day.
The Notre Dame Church dates back to the 18th century although the Jesuit style facade dates back to the 19th century. Inside the church is a pulpit sculpture of a thorn from Jesus' Crown as well as an autographed letter from Saint Louis.
At one time St. Étienne was the capital of the French bicycle industry and the city now often hosts a stage of the Tour de France.
Montbrison
Montbrison is a market town which is in the Vizezy valley overlooking the Vizezy river, approximately 36km northwest of Saint Étienne.
At 45 km long there are peaks of the Monts de Forez granite mountains range that are the remains of extinct volcanoes. You can climb to a height of 5278 feet and view the town and picturesque valleys from here, taking in the wonderful views.
At one time Montbrison was the capital of the department but was replaced by Saint Étienne in 1856. The main buildings are the church of Notre Dame d'Esperance, founded about 1220 but not finished till the 15th century, and the 14th-century Salle de la Diana (Decana).
Roanne
Roanne lies on the Loire river. Go back in time when you visit this peaceful and quiet town. Located in St Symphorien-de-Lay is the Tête Noire which is one of the oldest coach inns in France with wonderful painted scenery. Another inn, built under the reign of Louis XIVth, is the Pacaudière Inn called le Petit Louvre on the “Royal Way” now known as route Nationale 7! Roanne is famous for its textiles and its glazed earthenware. There are textile museums and factory outlets.
How to get to the Loire
By Air
Within the department there is an airport at Saint Étienne. Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and Valence are also close, with Geneva just across the Swiss border.
By Car
The area is served by the A72, E70 and N89.
By Train
The TGV service runs into Lyon.
Average temperature and rainfall for Loire
