Description:

The 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami were stark reminders of the power of Mother Nature.

Although  natural disasters may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’ve found that perfect house in the Loire Valley,  before you commit to purchase and the Compromis de Vente (sale contract) there are various French government websites where you can check what risks (if any) have been assessed for a particular commune or area.

Natural disasters in France may be nothing compared to the scale of events in Japan but France (and Pays de la Loire) are not immune. In February 2010, a violent north Atlantic storm (storm Xynthia) coupled with a tidal surge caused extensive damage and loss of life along the coast of Vendée in Pays de la Loire. As a result, certain areas along the Vendée coastline have been designated as ‘no-build’ zones whilst about 800 houses deemed to be at risk of future coastal flooding will be demolished.

Before purchase, therefore, you may wish to garner as much information as you can from the following websites:

Risques.gouv.fr: This is a French government inter-departmental website giving descriptions of all sorts of risks both natural and man-made. Here you will find explanations about various risks, their possible effects and precautions to be taken.

If you want to find information specific to a commune, the website Macommune.prim.net is a good starting point. Further information on a specific risk or risk assessment can usually be had from the local Mairie.

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