Which campsites should you choose to visit the Loire?
All the campsites in the Loire welcome you and can provide accommodation close to the places you want to visit. To help you make your choice, here are our suggestions:
4-star campsite by the water
Val de Coise **** campsite is nestled on the banks of the Coise River in Saint-Galmier, in a peaceful natural setting between the Loire and Forez. It offers a friendly, intimate environment, ideal for holidays with family or friends in the countryside. On site, you can enjoy a beautiful aquatic area with a heated swimming pool and paddling pool, sports activities (pétanque, volleyball, table tennis, etc.) and entertainment for young and old alike. The campsite also offers shaded pitches for tents and motorhomes, as well as comfortable rental accommodation with views of the river. Close to Saint-Étienne, Lake Grangent and the Loire Gorges, it is open from late March to late September.
3-star campsite with comfortable mobile homes in the Loire (42)
Arpheuilles *** Campsite is located on the banks of the Loire River in Saint-Paul-de-Vézelin, in the heart of the magnificent Loire Gorges and on the shores of Lake Villerest, offering a peaceful natural setting for the whole family. You will find spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as rental accommodation (mobile homes, chalets, lodge tents), a private beach, a heated swimming pool, water sports (canoeing, paddleboarding), children's games, a restaurant/bar and various summer activities. The campsite is open from April to September and is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, walkers and those who enjoy relaxing by the water.
3-star campsite in the heart of the Pilat Regional Nature Park
Bel'Epoque du Pilat *** campsite campsite is a family campsite nestled in 3.5 hectares of wooded countryside at the gateway to the Pilat Regional Nature Park, offering a peaceful atmosphere, shaded pitches and a remarkable panorama over the Rhône valley to the Alps. On site, you can enjoy a heated swimming pool with paddling pool, sports activities (tennis, table tennis, pétanque), leisure facilities for children and a variety of accommodation options (pitches, mobile homes, chalets and lodge tents). The campsite is open from April to the end of September.
Cheaper campsite with pool access in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
La Fressange ** Campsite is a family-run establishment nestled in around 3 hectares of greenery in Saint-Didier-en-Velay, surrounded by nature in the "Midi de l'Auvergne". It offers spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as chalets, mobile homes and lodge tents for comfortable stays. On site, campers enjoy access to a heated municipal swimming pool opposite the campsite, nature, sports and family activities (hiking, cycling, fishing, outdoor escape games, etc.) as well as practical services such as a WiFi zone, playground and laundry facilities. Located 15 km from the Loire Gorges, it is a great base for exploring the region and its wild landscapes.
A stopover for motorhomes in the heart of the Loire countryside
The Biesse campsite (Mr. Georges Barbier) is a natural site managed by Anne and Georges Barbier, nestled on approximately 1 hectare of shaded land in Biesse (Chambles) in the heart of the Loire countryside. It offers spacious pitches for tents and motorhomes, toilet blocks with showers and WCs, a playground, a pétanque court and simple facilities for outdoor relaxation. The welcome is warm and pets are welcome, making it a peaceful place to enjoy nature and walks in the surrounding area. This campsite is very close to Lake Grangent and the Loire Gorges.
What are the must-see attractions in the Loire?
Saint-Étienne, capital of design and city of character
The second largest city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Saint-Étienne is less than an hour from Lyon and has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History) label. At the gateway to the Pilat Regional Nature Park, it combines nature and culture with a strong mining and industrial heritage that has shaped its identity. Long the French capital of arms, ribbon and bicycles, the city has now reinvented itself around design, becoming the first French city to be awarded the UNESCO Creative City of Design label.
Famous for its legendary football club, AS Saint-Étienne, which continues to thrill crowds at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, Saint-Étienne also boasts a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Strolling through the city centre, you can admire the bandstand on Place Jean-Jaurès, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Saint-Jacques district and Place du Peuple, before delving into local history at the Musée du Vieux Saint-Étienne. The industrial epic can be discovered at the Mining Museum, located on a former mining site, while the prestigious Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Saint-Étienne Métropole houses one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art in France.
With its heritage, culture, football and wide open spaces nearby, Saint-Étienne is an unmissable stop on any camping holiday in the Loire.
Pilat Regional Nature Park, a natural balcony between the Alps and the Rhône Valley
After exploring Saint-Étienne, head to the Pilat Regional Nature Park, a vast unspoilt area with spectacular landscapes. Here, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers are in their element: hiking, mountain biking, trail running or simple walks offer total immersion in forests, moors and rocky ridges. The highest point, the Crêt de la Perdrix, is over 1,400 metres above sea level, while the Crêt de l'Oeillon offers an exceptional panorama of the Alps and the Rhône Valley on a clear day.
For thrill seekers, the Espace Eaux Vives in Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf offers the chance to learn or improve your rafting and kayaking skills in a safe environment. Between peaks, vineyards, forests and charming villages, Pilat offers a vast area of discovery with varied landscapes, ideal for rounding off a camping holiday in the Loire.
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, a village steeped in history in the heart of Pilat
Among the treasures of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, the village of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez stands out for its unique history and picturesque charm. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, it is the only French charterhouse to have been transformed into a village during the Revolution. Strolling through its cobbled streets, you will discover two main squares connected by a long alleyway, lined with traditional houses and former monastic buildings.
Every corner of this village invites curiosity: small craft shops, artists' studios and guided tours allow you to discover historical and architectural secrets, bringing a rich and fascinating past to life. Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez is therefore an essential stop for those who wish to combine nature, heritage and an authentic atmosphere during a camping holiday in Pilat.
Loire Gorges, wild landscapes and medieval villages
The Loire Gorges offer a breathtaking natural spectacle with their rocky outcrops, steep cliffs and lush forests, which are home to remarkable flora and fauna, including birds of prey, beavers and many rare plant species. Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous marked trails offering varied panoramas, including views of the river and paths winding through the woods. On these lands shaped by the Loire, medieval castles and picturesque villages stand as if frozen in time. From the village of Chambles, perched on a granite promontory, you can enjoy a splendid view of the gorges, while the medieval fortress of Essalois offers a spectacular panorama of the Loire and its surroundings. These landscapes harmoniously combine nature, history and heritage, making this region a perfect place for family walks or cultural excursions.
Lac de Grangent, water sports and river cruises
At the heart of the gorges, Lake Grangent stretches for 28 kilometres and is a magnificent reservoir offering an ideal setting for water sports. Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing are all possible, and fishing enthusiasts can spend hours observing the calm, fish-filled waters. Boat trips also allow you to discover the Loire from a different angle, admiring the island of Grangent and its 12th-century castle, visible from the fortress of Essalois, or the wild and wooded banks. The paths around the lake are ideal for hiking and cycling, with varied views of the river and the surrounding hillsides. With its many activities and diverse landscapes, Lake Grangent is a must-see destination for campers and nature lovers, combining relaxation, sport and historical discovery.
Couzan Castle, medieval sentinel of the Forez
Built in the 11th century, Couzan Castle is a prestigious vestige of medieval military architecture and one of the historical symbols of Forez. A former strategic stronghold, it once controlled the passageways and bore witness to the power of the local lords. Even today, its imposing fortified walls, ramparts and remarkably well-preserved keep give visitors a glimpse of life in the days of knights and feudal conflicts.
Located in the commune of Sail-sous-Couzan, about 60 kilometres north of Saint-Étienne, the castle is built on a rocky spur overlooking the plain. This elevated position offers a magnificent panorama of the Forez mountains, between green valleys and gentle hills characteristic of the region. A visit to the site, with its restored ruins and spectacular views, is a wonderful cultural and scenic stopover during a camping holiday in the Loire, combining history, nature and discovery of the Forez heritage.
Flavours of the Loire, an unmissable gourmet stop
A stay in the Loire would not be complete without discovering its generous and authentic cuisine, inherited from the farming traditions of the Forez region. Among the emblematic specialities is Fourme de Montbrison, a blue cheese made from cow's milk with a creamy texture and blue veins, which has been awarded an AOP (protected designation of origin) and is renowned for its mildness and subtle aromas. Another typical dish is barboton, a rustic stew made with potatoes and slow-cooked meat, which has been warming the tables of the Forez region for generations. Finally, don't miss the râpée stéphanoise, a crispy pancake made from grated potatoes, fried in a pan and served piping hot, often accompanied by local charcuterie. These simple and tasty recipes perfectly reflect the convivial and gourmet spirit of the department.
With its dynamic towns, charming villages, spectacular views, medieval castles, lakes ideal for leisure activities and comforting culinary specialities, the Loire offers unexpected diversity. Easily accessible and ideal for camping, it combines nature, heritage, sporting activities and gourmet pleasures in a single holiday. Whether you come to hike in the Pilat, sail on the Loire, explore the wild gorges or simply savour the Loire lifestyle, the department promises a getaway rich in discoveries and emotions.