Centre is the name used administratively, the region is commonly
called Central Loire, Val de Loire, Loire Valley or simply, the Heart of
France. France's longest river (at 1,020km), the Loire, which flows
from its source in the mountains south of Saint-Etienne to the Atlantic,
defines the region's identity.
It has always been very wealthy thanks to the
fertility of the land. The river is considered to be the dividing line between
the cold north and warmer south and the region itself is temperate despite
how north it is.
The Loire valley is a land of impressive chateaux, hunting lodges and
cathedrals and is often visited by those with an interest in Medieval and
Renaissance architecture. It's also a perfect place to walk and to cycle; the
flat countryside by the river is ideal for those on bikes and to simply spend
lazy days picnicking by the water's edge. There are plenty of lakes and
smaller rivers and the fertile landscape is covered with lush woodland,
orchards, and fields of maize and sunflowers.
With it's impressive architectural heritage and lovely outdoor scenery it is
very popular with second home owners and tourists. It is also popular with
more permanent newcomers looking for a good quality of life. Although the
countryside is very peaceful, there are many large communes such as those
listed below, as well as the lovely towns of Chartres, Chateauroux, Blois and
Montargis, and you are never far from good facilities including excellent
hospitals, schools and universities. A regional focus on education has
resulted in a very well-educated and well-trained labour force. The
northernmost areas are also very close to Paris, so it's ideal for those
working for foreign companies based in the capital who also wish for a rural
home-life. Paris is easily accessible on the autoroutes and the region is
only an hour or two's commute from the city centre.
Centre is an ideal place for those starting up a business, it has the close
proximity to Paris yet significantly lower production and labour costs. Many
pharmaceutical companies have invested here in recent years and local
authorities support investment in small and medium-sized companies.
Agriculture is important to the economy and other than the wine grapes, the
main crops are red onions, sunflowers, cucumbers, leeks and almost half
France's beetroots.