Camping in the Loire Valley - Holiday Highlights

It is known as "The Garden of France", and the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley makes it one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. It is a land of rolling hills peppered with Châteaux, with the beautiful Loire River running through its heart.

Camping in the Loire Valley is perhaps the best way to experience the charms of the region. The long summer provides perfect camping weather, and most campsites in the Loire will place you in the midst of the scenery that this area is famed for but well within easy reach of the major towns, Châteaux and other local highlights.

The Loire is a great place to just visit, relax, and soak up the scenery, but if you'd like to do a little more on your camping holiday in the Loire Valley, here are a few of the highlights, activities and local attractions that make "The Garden of France" so special...

Go Cycling Along the Loire

The Loire River is the longest river in France, and it traces a route right through the centre of the region, taking in the best scenery and many of the most beautiful Châteaux. The best way to experience the Loire River is to travel alongside it - walking is popular, but hiring a bicycle allows you to cover much more ground and enjoy many more of the local highlights along this route. Many campsites in the Loire have bicycles for hire, making it easier than ever to explore the river in this way.

Sightseeing at the Châteaux

Perhaps the most famous attraction to visit when camping in the Loire Valley are the many Châteaux. These grand medieval residences are liberally dotted around the Loire Valley - sometimes it seems as though you can't walk for half a mile without running in to one! With their distinctive architectural style and spectacular surroundings, they are simply stunning places to visit, and while there are plenty to see, Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord are perhaps the most striking.

Take a Day Trip to Tours

Most people go camping in the Loire to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery, but even the most ardent nature lovers should make time for a visit to Tours. This delightful historic town combines old fashioned architecture with a vibrant contemporary atmosphere, and the 15th century Cathedral is the essential sight to see. Other towns in the area that are well worth a visit include Orléans, the regional capital, and Amboise, another small historic town.

Go Wine Tasting at the Vineyards

The Loire Valley is one of the principal wine producing regions in France. The gently undulating landscape is filled with vineyards, and sampling the local produce is one of the real pleasures of camping in the Loire. Many campsites here are located close to leading vineyards, and be sure to try Loire specialities such as Sancerre and Polly-Fume as a part of your stay here.