Campsites near the Loire castles
When we hear the name "Châteaux of the Loire", we are reminded of a dozen or so châteaux at most. However, over the 300 km of what has been called "The Valley of the Kings", the number of châteaux is in the hundreds. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities to return, especially as there are around thirty campsites that can serve as a base camp. As wanting to talk about all of them is a challenge. For this reason, we have made a small selection with the most famous, the most representative, the most surprising and... because there is no reason to... our favourites.
The most famous: Chambord
More than a monument, it is a real icon. Indeed, as soon as one speaks of Loire Valley castles, Chambord is the first one that comes to mind. From a simple hunting lodge in an area of marshland, François I built a quasi-pharaonic palace... in which, paradoxically, he hardly ever stayed. A few figures are enough to make you dizzy: 440 rooms, 800 capitals, 15 staircases, 32 km of walls. It stands in the middle of a 5,400 hectare park. Its construction required 220,000 tons of stone and thousands of oak pilings on which it rests. It has a 156-metre façade and is 56 meters high. 1800 workers worked for more than 40 years and Francis I spent only... 40 nights there. Today, like Versailles, it is known throughout the world and welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year. In 2017, the gardens will be completely refurbished.
The most magical - Chenonceau
Its arches spanning the Cher River are famous throughout the world and have made it the second most visited monument in France after the Château de Versailles. Chenonceau, owes its incredible beauty... to women to the point of being nicknamed the "Ladies' Castle". It was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, who belonged to the Touraine nobility, and successively embellished by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. It was saved from the rigours of the Revolution by Madame Dupin, a sort of feminist before her time and above all a woman of spirit and a personality of the "Age of Enlightenment".
The most unknown - Azay le Rideau
Built on an island in the middle of the Indre river, the château of Azay le Rideau, although not one of the most emblematic, is certainly one of those most worthy of a visit. Once you have entered the park and stopped in front of... the "postcard", you know the photo that appears in all the books, take the time to walk around it. You will then discover the château of Azay-Le-Rideau from a totally unusual angle, emerging from the vegetation, like a surprise in the landscape. Then take the time to stroll through the magnificent park, with no French boxwoods, no chalked-out paths, and let the peace and quiet wash over you.
The most... drawn - Cheverny
Cheverny became famous above all for having served as a model for Hergé to create Captain Haddock's Moulinsart castle. In addition to the visit of the park and the castle, a permanent exhibition has been organised in the outbuildings, "The Secrets of Moulinsart". Throughout an interactive exhibition, discover or rediscover the world of Tintin, the Treasure of Rackham de Rouge, the inventions of Professor Tournesol, etc.
The most... technical - Le Clos Lucé
More than a real castle, the Clos Lucé, formerly known as the Manoir du Cloux, is situated in the centre of the town of Amboise. Built in the 15th Century, it passed from hand to hand before being bought by Charles VIII, who made it a summer residence for the Kings of France until 1516, when Francis I put it at the disposal of Leonardo da Vinci. The latter spent the last three years of his life there. He died there on 2 May 1519. In fact, coming to visit it is like taking a beautiful trip to the land of this genius. You will discover his last workshop. In the park, the most astonishing inventions were created according to his own plans.
The most historic - Blois
Located in the heart of the city of Blois, the Royal Castle of Blois was the favourite residence of the kings of France during the Renaissance. It is famous for its "architectural mixtures" ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and in particular for its monumental staircase. It is made in such a way that those going up cannot pass those coming down. It is also famous for the events that took place there, such as the blessing of Joan of Arc in the castle chapel, the assassination of the Duke of Guise and the death of Marie de Medici.