There's something for everyone in the Loire Valley, and there are few better ways of exploring the area than from one of the region's many campsites. The Loire is home to many chteaux, the legendary Futuroscope and plenty of vineyards. There's enough here for families, couples or volleyball to fend off boredom indefinitely in the region, but where should they camp? Here's a guide to camping in France's Loire Valley...
Camping Parc de Fierbois
The sheer range of activities makes Camping Parc de Fierbois one of the very best campsites in the Loire Valley. Visitors can enjoy the 250 acres of parkland, hire bikes and explore the local area, play a relaxing round of mini-golf or enjoy the large number of waterslides and attractions at the pool complex. The family friendly fun extends into the evenings in high season when karaoke, discos and live music become the evening's highlights. Adults can get away from it all too, with a relaxed drink in the spacious bar terrace in the evening.
Chateau des Marais
If you're looking for a quiet, pretty campsite that's safe for young families, you can't go wrong with Chteau des Marais. The site has been awarded the Michelin 'three red tent' accolade and is in an outstanding position, nestled between the river Loire and Chteau de Chambord. There is plenty of space for energetic children to make the most of, and a variety of daytime entertainment during high season.
As is usual for campsites in the Loire Valley, and in France as a whole, the swimming pool is truly fantastic. It consists of a large indoor pool, a smaller pool for children, plus fun waterslides that the children will take great pleasure in racing down time and time again!
Camping la Grenouillre
If a sporty Loire Valley campsite is what you are looking for, then Camping la Grenouillre will be ideal. For the more energetic, the fantastic facilities, including floodlit tennis courts, volleyball, archery and football are second to none. If you are looking for a more relaxed holiday, why not try your hand at fishing in the chteau moat? You will also find a lovely swimming pool complex which has a jacuzzi and sauna as well as the great swimming pools and water slides.
Sologne Parc des Alicourts
One of the best examples of camping in France's Loire Valley is the wonderful campsite at Sologne Parc des Alicourts. The phrase "something for volleyball has become clichd, but this campsite in the Loire Valley really does offer just that. This family-run campsite has earned the prestigious Michelin 'four red tents' award for its facilities and quality, and offers a fantastic, natural setting, with its glorious lakeside location in the heart of the Loire's rural countryside. The pools have all the features of the others including pools and waterslides, but this site also has a luxury spa, Turkish Bath, massage area and fitness centre ensuring that there is always plenty to keep you entertained whilst on site.
For sports, this site has a large range of activities. There is a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, football, fishing, archery and even horseriding. In the evening, enjoy some of the most outstanding onsite entertainment. In short, Sologne Parc des Alicourts offers everything a campsite in the Loire Valley should, plus a lot more besides.
Camping in France's Loire Valley is ideal whether you are looking for a short break away or a longer holiday. The campsites are around a days drive from most of the ferry ports and easily accessed from the motorways, Beautiful natural surroundings, the many local attractions and outstanding facilities mean that campsites in the Loire Valley are amongst the very best in France.
Stephen Lane is the Managing Director of Canvas Holidays, one of the leading European camping and mobile home holiday operators in the UK. With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offers tailor made camping in France's Loire Valley, the rest of France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Germany and many more sites throughout 9 European Countries.
