Craon Property Insight

Overview

Part of the Pays de la Loire region, Craon accounts for a population of almost 5,000 inhabitants. In the Mayenne departement, it lies close to important towns and cities such as Laval, Angers, Rennes and Nantes. Its beautiful castle dating of the 18th century and its park attract more than 15,000 people every year. Its racecourse is a partial explanation for Craon's fame in the whole of France. Competitions are highly followed by horse lovers. The priory of Saint-Clement and its rose garden, the covered market, a renovated centre punctuated by pretty half-timbered houses are other elements added to the previous ones which make of Craon a town where tourism is more and more developed.

Furthermore, it is a pleasant town to live, thanks to the many facilities developed by the town, such as sportive and leisure equipment. Cultural equipment is planned to be even more developed, with the creation of a theatre and a multimedia library. In term of economy, Craon is a good town to relocate as it offers possibilities of employment. Indeed, it has one of the lowest unemployment rates of France and the activity is rich and diversified. Agriculture and food industry are the two sectors which account for the most employees. Craftsmanship is also developed with 85 craftsmen working in the commune of Craon. Recently, tourism has appeared in its economy.

Craon Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Craon is a small town of Mayenne, which is a departement comprising low-price properties. While the national average for properties was around €3,197 /sq m at the beginning of 2009, a property costed only around €1,200 /sq m in Mayenne, which is not far from one third of the price! Thus, bargains could be found in Craon as well. It is to know that 85% of the total properties are detached houses and that almost 70% of them present at least two bedrooms. Thus, large property at a very affordable price can be bought in Craon, as 9% of the properties are for now vacant.

To get updated info about property prices in Mayenne, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

3 Reasons to Buy a Property in Craon

• Good food: several specialities of the town has to be tasted. The Crottins craonnais and the Coquines mayennaises will be appreciated by the chocolate lovers. These specialities were invented by the chocolate maker of the town and had a resounding success. As well, the well-known Chaussée aux Moines cheese is produced in Craon after the traditional method. As in several places of Mayenne, produces made with apple can be found. Pommeau (aperitif drink), liqueurs of pears and apples, cider, apple juice, Pommé (traditional marmalade) and many others are the kind of produces to taste in this area.

• Racecourse: in Craon, the first horse races took place in 1848 on the meadow of La Touche. Today, the races take place at the same place, considered in France as the temple of the horse. Since two years, the Trophée vert establishes the best French trotting horse on grass. The racecourse is also renowned for its cross-country which takes place on the very long distance of 6,000m. Not less than 15,000 people attend to these events.

• Activities: the town has particularly developed its facilities, notably in the domain of sport. 27 different sports are practiced in Craon. There is really a will from the commune to continue to develop the offer of activities. For the moment, a popular activity is especially horse riding.

Property Styles and Architecture in Craon

• Half-timbered houses: in the centre of Craon, some half-timbered houses give charm to the full of flowers streets. The visible beams of the houses are sometimes painted in a vivid colour, which contrast with the light colour of the walls.
• Stone houses: a large proportion of houses in stones exist in the area. They often comprises coloured shutters in wood. The roof is made of slate and presents openings in the form of shed dormers. On the roof, which is usually made of four very pitched slopes, stands an imposing chimney.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Pays de la Loire.