In the surroundings

A trip to Tours: a sumptuous blend of art, history... and gastronomy!

Tours is somewhat the beating heart of Touraine: discover a lively city on a human scale, with charming streets and unique cuisine. If you are staying at the campsite, a trip to Tours is a must, as it is only 4 km away! Accessible by bus (FilBleu line 3a/3b) in 20 minutes or by bike via the Loire à Vélo cycle route (20 minutes), it’s the ideal place to meet up in the evening for a bite to eat or a day of sightseeing. With its history, culture, walks and gastronomy, you’re sure to fall under its spell (we have no doubt about it).

Start by strolling through the Vieux Tours, a neighbourhood that looks like something straight out of a film. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and small squares exude authenticity. Be sure to visit Place Plumereau, or ‘Place Plume’ to those in the know, which is home to cafés, bars and restaurants and is lively all year round! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink with a beautiful view of the listed buildings.

A little further on, Saint-Gatien Cathedral is a small Gothic gem that will take your breath away. With its colourful stained glass windows and sculpted façade, it impresses history buffs and curious visitors alike. And admission is free!

Tours has no shortage of museums to enrich your walks. The Museum of Fine Arts houses masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the modern era in a refined setting and is home to a magnificent Lebanese cedar tree… and Fritz, a stuffed elephant! And for science and nature lovers, the Natural History Museum is ideal for a family visit.

Tours is crossed by the Loire and Cher rivers, offering superb walks along the banks. Its green spaces are perfect for a nature break in the heart of the city. And if you want to see Tours from a different angle, opt for a traditional boat trip on the Loire for a change of scenery! In summer, settle in for a gourmet and musical break at the ‘Tours sur Loire’ guinguette on the riverbanks.

But Tours is also a city for foodies! In Touraine, gastronomy is no laughing matter! Tours has even been awarded the ‘Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie’ label. On the menu: rillettes de Tours and rillons, AOP goat’s cheeses, accompanied by a glass of Vouvray or Montlouis (in moderation). And for a sweet treat, try the nougatine de Tours: a real local delicacy!

A stroll along the water's edge, between the Loire and Cher rivers...

When we talk about the Loire and Cher rivers, we often think of their sublime natural landscapes, the châteaux reflected in the water and the vineyards that can be seen along the banks. But do you know what’s even better than admiring them from land? Discovering them directly from the water, by canoe or kayak!

And there’s no shortage of places to explore in the surrounding area… The Loire is known as ‘Europe’s last wild river’ for good reason: its small islands, unspoilt wildlife and sandbanks make it a magical playground. Glide along the water in your boat and enjoy the scenery at your own pace!The icing on the cake: some routes offer breathtaking views of the châteaux that dominate the valley and are closest to you, such as Amboise and Chaumont-sur-Loire. It’s a bit like booking a luxury cruise… but much more authentic!

Less well known than the Loire, the Cher nevertheless offers unforgettable moments. Imagine paddling gently under the arches of Chenonceau Castle, which spans the river (it is even possible to pass under its arches). Nice scenery, isn’t it? The Cher is ideal for a family outing or a trip for two: the waters are calmer, perfect for beginners or for a peaceful trip where you can enjoy the scenery above all else. For our holidaymakers looking for a gentle and unusual trip, contact Aventure Canoë in Chenonceaux (reduced prices – information available at the campsite reception).

Amboise and Chenonceau: two unmissable Renaissance gems in the heart of the Loire Valley!

About 30 km from the campsite, two must-see destinations await you: Amboise and Chenonceau. This isn’t just a tourist outing, it’s a real journey back in time to the Renaissance, with picture-postcard scenery around every corner…

Amboise is a charming little town with an impressive historical heritage. Proudly overlooking the Loire, the royal castle of Amboise and its gardens were the favourite headquarters of several kings of France (including François I). Not just any castle, then! And here’s a little anecdote: it is here that Leonardo da Vinci is buried, in the castle chapel. Yes, really… Don’t forget to pick up your discounted tickets at the campsite reception!

A stone’s throw away, don’t miss the Clos Lucé (you can walk there from the Château d’Amboise). This is Leonardo da Vinci’s final resting place. Discover his eccentric and ingenious inventions: from tanks to helicopters, he imagined everything long before his time.

And between visits, enjoy the town centre: narrow cobbled streets, lively terraces and local shops… Amboise also offers a truly gentle way of life.

A few kilometres away, stop off at Chenonceaux, which is well worth a visit! Its famous château (the most visited in Touraine and emblematic of the Loire Valley) is nicknamed the ‘château des Dames’ (château of the ladies). It gracefully spans the Cher River with its arches. You don’t need to be an architecture enthusiast to be amazed!

Built, embellished and preserved by influential women (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Médicis…), Chenonceau is as beautiful as it is steeped in stories of rivalries and intrigues. Inside, each room is an invitation to travel: refined furniture, tapestries and freshly arranged bouquets of flowers. Special mention goes to the gallery, a large room that literally crosses the Cher River.

Don’t miss the castle’s sublime gardens, perfect for a contemplative break!

Scuba diving up close with the fish without getting wet: head to the Touraine Aquarium!

To alternate with visits to castles and walks along the Loire, we suggest a rather immersive day… underwater!

Located next to Amboise in Lussault-sur-Loire (20 km from the campsite), the Aquarium de Touraine is one of the largest freshwater aquariums in Europe. Good news: you won’t need a wetsuit to dive into the depths of the sea! Along the way, you’ll encounter no fewer than 300 species: from fish from the Loire to impressive sturgeons and piranhas (which won’t bite you). Discount vouchers for admission to both sites are available at the campsite reception.

Children’s favourite spot: the touch pool where they can stroke koi carp and see them up close. And for the more courageous, the ‘shark’ area promises some thrills (don’t worry, this part is not touchable…!).

A fun, educational and fascinating visit that will appeal to young and old alike.

But if you miss the castles, consider purchasing a combined ticket with the nearby Miniature Castle Park. It’s a condensed version of the Loire Valley… in miniature. Here, more than 40 replica castles (Villandry, Chambord, Azay-le-Rideau and, of course, Chenonceau) are reproduced with impressive attention to detail, but on a scale of 1:25. As a result, children will feel like they’re towering over the castles!

The gardens are carefully landscaped, with pretty flowers and shaded paths that invite you to take a stroll. Children can hop on small electric cars to explore the park like real explorers. It’s fun, educational and perfect for discovering the castles.

From French art to an underground limestone adventure... head to Villandry and its surroundings!

Located just 20 kilometres from the campsite, take the road towards Villandry. Villandry Castle is THE star attraction for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Of course, the castle itself is magnificent and beautifully furnished, with its elegant Renaissance façades… but the real highlight here is its French gardens!

Here, six themed gardens flow poetically from one to the next. The ornamental garden with its perfect geometric patterns and century-old box trees, the colourful vegetable garden worthy of a work of art, the soothing water garden, not to mention the sun garden and the maze where it’s nice to get lost. The balconies offer the best views of the gardens!

Each season brings its own colours and surprises: tulips in spring, roses in summer, dahlias in autumn… In short, Villandry is worth visiting several times a year if you feel like it. Remember to buy your discounted tickets at the campsite reception!

Two kilometres from the castle are the Petrifying Caves of Savonnières! Here, you leave the sunshine of the gardens behind to dive into a mysterious world 25 metres underground.

These ancient quarries were dug by man, and over the years nature has added its own personal touch, transforming the place into a magical world. The limestone-rich water slowly sculpts stalactites and stalagmites, forming natural sculptures. But here, the stars of the show are the famous petrified objects: hats, bottles and shoes gradually covered in calcite. It’s a veritable art gallery!

A great place to visit with the family. Don’t forget to bring a jumper as it can get quite cool inside… But don’t worry, you won’t come out petrified!

A life-size animal world: an immersive day at Beauval Zoo

If there’s one outing that the whole family agrees on and can’t wait to go on, it’s the Beauval ZooParc. Located about an hour from the campsite by motorway, it is regularly ranked among the most beautiful zoos in the world. That’s saying something!

Let’s be honest: here, two stars make all the difference! Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, the famous giant pandas, are the park’s main attractions. And with the birth of little Yuan Meng, followed by his twin sisters, it’s a real spectacle unfolding before your admiring eyes.

But Beauval also offers incredible diversity: with more than 35,000 animals and 800 species, Beauval is a veritable modern-day Noah’s Ark. You can see lions, giraffes, elephants and gorillas, as well as rarer species such as okapis and manatees. Travel around the world: from the tropical dome to the giant aviaries and the lions’ rock, plan to spend the whole day here.

In terms of entertainment, two must-see attractions punctuate the visit: the sea lion show and the grand bird show. Imagine hundreds of birds of prey and parrots soaring into the sky above your heads at the same time: thrills guaranteed!

The park is huge but cleverly designed: a cable car takes you from one end to the other (in both directions) and allows you to admire the animals from above without making a sound! Get your camera ready…

Wine cellar tours: between subtle notes and limestone

Less than fifteen kilometres from the campsite, get ready to taste the local produce of the Touraine region! Among the wine specialities, the cellars of Vouvray are a must-see. Dry, sweet, sparkling: this wine plays on all the nuances and always with finesse. Local winegrowers welcome you to their troglodytic cellars, where kilometres of galleries are sometimes lined with bottles. And all in a friendly atmosphere!

On the other side of the Loire River, the Montlouis-sur-Loire vineyard (10 km from the campsite) offers equally remarkable wines. Here, Chenin Blanc expresses itself fully, offering fresh, fruity wines that are sometimes a little rounder. Enjoy guided tours with tastings (in moderation). Because after all, learning is good, but tasting is better!

Beyond the wine, these cellar tours offer a real change of scenery. Outside, it’s hot; inside, the temperature is cool and constant, around 12°C. Perfect for keeping wine in top condition! The illuminated galleries highlight the tuffeau stone walls, and the smell of damp stone mingles with the aromas of wine, immersing you in a unique atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring back a bottle as a souvenir!

Take a trip back in time to the Middle Ages: head for Langeais and Montbazon!

Although the Renaissance is the main theme of your getaway in the Loire Valley, the region is also home to a few medieval gems…

For your first stop, head to the Château de Langeais. It is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve travelled back in time as soon as you cross the drawbridge. With its large crenellated towers and clearly visible machicolations, it is a perfect blend of medieval fortress with a touch of the Renaissance.

Inside, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of kings and queens thanks to a careful reconstruction: furnished rooms, tapestries, tableware… It was also here that a rather unusual wedding took place in 1491: that of Anne of Brittany and King Charles VIII, a historic event that marked the union of Brittany and France.

To round off your visit, you can climb up to the castle’s viewpoint. From the heights, the view of the Loire is absolutely splendid and well worth a photo!

After visiting the castle, take the time to stroll around the small village of Langeais. Its peaceful streets, stone and half-timbered houses, small craft shops… a truly authentic setting. The lively market is also a great opportunity to sample local specialities.

On the banks of the River Indre, less than 15km from the campsite, the Fortress of Montbazon transports you straight back to the Middle Ages. Built by Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou (a lord you wouldn’t have wanted as a neighbour), this fortress still houses one of the oldest stone keeps in France!

But the visit doesn’t stop at frozen history: here, it’s a living spectacle! Costumed guides bring medieval crafts to life: blacksmithing, archery, calligraphy, sword fighting… It’s fun and interactive: perfect for families.

The most impressive part? Climb to the top of the keep and enjoy a panoramic view of the Indre Valley. It’s a dizzying climb, but well worth the effort…