What to see in France

Camping in Indre-et-Loire, the life of a castle!

Le château de Chenonceau en Indre-et-Loire
Le château de Chenonceau en Indre-et-Loire

 

Also known as Touraine, Indre-et-Loire is a department in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Located at the southern end of the Parisian Basin, it is known for its castles of the kings of France and the famous city of Tours, its prefecture. A territory with a unique heritage, which is no longer to be proven, but also numerous campsites that allow you to visit these lands, without constraints.

Campsites in Touraine

No less than 63 campsites are available in Indre-et-Loire. From one to four stars, close to the Loire castles, with an indoor swimming pool, games for children or situated on the banks of the Loire, you won't be able to say that you didn't have a choice! Ideal accommodation for a family holiday to discover the lands of the kings of France.

 

Castle life

What could be better than a visit to the châteaux during your stay in Indre-et-Loire? It's a cultural, fun and lively activity for the whole family.

Classified as a historical monument since 1962, the Château de Chenonceau has the particularity of spanning the Cher River. It was built and decorated exclusively by women, hence its nickname of Château des Dames. It is undoubtedly one of the most imposing castles of the Loire. It is also the only one to have a floral workshop where magnificent bouquets are composed and placed inside the castle. You will also fall under the undeniable charm of the gardens.

The Château de Villandry is the last of the great Loire Valley châteaux built during the Renaissance. It is especially renowned for its gardens, which you should not miss from the terrace of the keep. An exceptional landscape awaits you! A large number of bird species thrive in this listed site.

Considered an architectural masterpiece and the most harmonious of all, the Château d'Azay le Rideau stands in the middle of the Indre River on an island. It is a mixture of French architecture and Italian artistic influence from the 16th century, framed by a magnificent park of 8 hectares. Inside, the ground floor, first floor and attic have been extensively restored between 2015 and 2017.

The castle of Langeais is the one in which the secret wedding of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII took place in 1491. A scenography retraces this event remarkably well. In the park, there is an unobstructed view of the bridge and the medieval dungeon that should not be missed. Note that activities for children are organised all year round.

The château d'Amboise was a favourite of the kings of France, but has since been reduced in size and replaced by Mediterranean-style gardens that are a pleasure to wander through. From the terraces, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Loire Valley. Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years here. The Saint Hubert chapel houses his burial site.

The city of castles

Known as the White and Blue city because of the chalky plaster on the facades of its houses and the slate tiles, Tours is the capital of the Indre et Loire department. It is considered a beautiful stop on the route des châteaux and attracts many tourists. You should take a walk to admire its pretty half-timbered houses, discover the Place Plumereau, and taste the prune and nougat. Don't miss the Cathedral and Plumereau districts, the Saint-Gatien cathedral and also admire the architecture of the Fine Arts museum, the Hôtel Gouïn and the Psalette cloister.

 

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