What are the best campsites in Touraine?
A waterside campsite near the châteaux of the Loire
Camping des Bords de Loire, situated in Chouzé-sur-Loire, is a peaceful and charming spot, ideally situated on the riverbank. Set in the heart of a regional nature park, it covers 2 hectares and offers direct access to the Loire, with shaded pitches and a pleasant view of the water. This natural setting allows you to enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, walks or hiking, whilst being family-friendly thanks to its facilities, including a children’s play area. Nearby, visitors can also explore a variety of tourist attractions, including châteaux, vineyards and traditional villages. The campsite is open from June to September.
3-star eco-friendly campsite in Indre-et-Loire (37)
The Huttopia Lac de Rillé *** campsite, situated in the heart of Touraine, offers an exceptional natural setting by the lake, perfect for relaxation and a change of scenery. Set within a vast, unspoilt area, it offers spacious pitches as well as comfortable accommodation that blends seamlessly into the surroundings, such as wooden cabins and fully equipped tents. On site, a wide range of facilities and services are available, including swimming pools, a forest spa, a communal lounge area and various outdoor activities, allowing guests to make the most of the surrounding natural environment. The site charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and numerous leisure options, ranging from water sports to walks and exploring the local heritage. The campsite is open from April to November.
4-star campsite with fully equipped mobile homes
La Citadelle **** campsite, located in Loches, offers a green and peaceful setting on the outskirts of the medieval town, in the heart of Touraine. Set in a landscaped garden, this intimate campsite charms visitors with its family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing family holiday. It offers a wide range of accommodation, from spacious pitches to fully equipped mobile homes, as well as a variety of facilities such as heated swimming pools, children’s play areas and seasonal entertainment. Its prime location also makes it easy to explore the châteaux of the Loire, the vineyards and the region’s cultural treasures. The campsite is open from April to September.
3-star campsite with swimming pool in Touraine
The Île Auger *** campsite, situated in Chinon on the banks of the Vienne, enjoys a prime location opposite the medieval fortress and in the immediate vicinity of the town centre. Set on a vast, wooded site of around 6 hectares, it offers nearly 200 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as comfortable rental accommodation. This natural, green setting is ideal for a peaceful holiday, whilst allowing you to enjoy the region’s cultural, gastronomic and wine-related treasures. On site, holidaymakers have access to various facilities and services, including a swimming pool, a playground and communal areas, ensuring a pleasant stay with family or friends. The campsite is open from April to October.
Budget-friendly campsite near the Loire Valley castles
Le Cardinal ** campsite, located in Richelieu in Indre-et-Loire, offers a natural and peaceful setting on the outskirts of the historic town. It offers various types of accommodation, ranging from spacious pitches for tents and motorhomes to more comfortable rentals such as cottages with private swimming pools or mobile homes. The site has a range of facilities, including a heated swimming pool, play areas and direct access to the lake and Richelieu Park, encouraging relaxation and outdoor activities. Its location also makes it easy to explore the region’s cultural treasures, such as the royal fortress of Chinon, 25 km away. The campsite is open from April to September.
To discover all the campsites in the Indre-et-Loire department, click here.
Ready for a family getaway in the heart of the Loire Valley?
What could be better than a getaway to the heart of the Loire Valley to add some variety to your stay in Indre-et-Loire? A real treasure trove of discovery for young and old alike, these visits combine history, wonder and fun activities, with child-friendly trails, gardens to explore and entertainment that brings the heritage to life and makes it accessible to the whole family.
Chenonceau Castle, an unmissable gem
Listed as a historic monument, the Château de Chenonceau is undoubtedly one of the region’s most iconic. Nicknamed the ‘Château des Dames’ (Ladies’ Castle) for having been conceived, built and embellished by prominent women, it stands out for its elegant gallery spanning the River Cher, offering a unique and spectacular setting. Inside, visitors discover rooms richly decorated and adorned with flowers all year round thanks to a dedicated floral workshop, a rare feature that adds to the charm of the place. Outside, the French gardens invite you to stroll and relax, for a visit that is as pleasant as it is unforgettable for the whole family.
Villandry Castle and its spectacular gardens
Villandry Castle is the last of the great Loire Valley châteaux built during the Renaissance and is an unmissable stop on any trip to Indre-et-Loire. Whilst it captivates with its elegant architecture, it is above all world-renowned for its remarkable gardens, true living works of art.
From the keep’s terrace, visitors can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the various landscaped areas: the ornamental garden, the decorative kitchen garden, the water garden and the maze – all places that spark the curiosity of children and parents alike. This listed site is also a haven for many species of birds, offering a complete immersion in a preserved natural environment. A visit that is fun, educational and a real change of scenery for the whole family.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle, Renaissance elegance by the water
Considered one of the most harmonious of the Loire Valley châteaux, the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau offers a setting straight out of a fairy tale, situated on an island in the heart of the Indre. A true Renaissance masterpiece, it captivates with its architecture blending French tradition and 16th-century Italian influences, its façades delicately reflected in the water.
Surrounded by an 8-hectare landscaped park, ideal for a family stroll, the château invites visitors to explore its various fully restored rooms. From the ground floor to the attic, the rooms reveal refined décor and an immersive setting that offers a deeper understanding of life during the Renaissance. A visit that is at once aesthetically pleasing, soothing and enriching, appealing to children and adults alike.image
Langeais Castle, a living journey into the heart of history
Langeais Castle is an iconic site where French history comes to life, particularly thanks to a major event: the marriage of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII, celebrated in 1491. A particularly successful and immersive display allows visitors to relive this secret wedding, captivating both children and adults alike.
Part medieval fortress, part stately home, the site also boasts a superb wooded park, ideal for a family stroll. From the grounds, the view of the bridge, the Loire and the imposing medieval keep is remarkable. Throughout the year, entertainment and educational activities are offered for younger visitors, making the visit fun, interactive and unforgettable.
The Royal Château of Amboise, where royal history meets panoramic views of the Loire
The Royal Château of Amboise holds an iconic place in the history of the kings of France, who made it one of their favourite residences during the Renaissance. Overlooking the Loire, it now captivates visitors with its terraces offering exceptional views of the Loire Valley and its Mediterranean-style gardens, perfect for a pleasant family stroll.
The site is also marked by the presence of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life at the Manoir du Clos Lucé, very close to the château. He is buried in the Saint-Hubert Chapel, adding a strong historical and cultural dimension to the visit. With its gardens, architecture and the memory of great figures, the château offers an experience that is both enriching and accessible to all.image
Tours, a city of art and history in the heart of the Loire
Capital of the Indre-et-Loire department, Tours is often nicknamed the ‘white and blue city’ due to its pale façades and slate roofs, which give it a unique charm. An essential stop on the Loire Valley castle route, it charms visitors with its lively atmosphere and rich heritage, ideal for exploring with the family on walks through the historic centre.
The exploration often begins at the famous Place Plumereau, the bustling heart of the old town, surrounded by half-timbered houses and welcoming terraces where it’s lovely to stop for a break. The surrounding narrow streets lead to the Cathedral district, dominated by the majestic Saint-Gatien Cathedral of Tours, as well as to numerous architectural treasures such as the Tours Museum of Fine Arts, the Hôtel Gouïn and the Cloître de la Psalette.
A city for food lovers too, Tours invites you to savour a few local specialities such as nougat or prunes, for a sweet break between sightseeing. A perfect destination for combining culture, a leisurely stroll and family fun.