What to see in France

Montsoreau, camping in the heart of a historic estate

Le village de Monstoreau et son château au bord de la Loire
Le village de Monstoreau et son château au bord de la Loire

 

Made famous by the works of Alexandre Dumas, the village of Montsoreau is located in Maine-et-Loire in the Pays-de-la-Loire region, in an area of the Loire Valley that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to the very first Renaissance château in the long series of famous "Loire châteaux" built in the 15th century, Montsoreau is a little gem on the banks of the Loire and at the heart of a regional nature park. The town is also listed as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages and is one of the Petites Cités de Caractère. All these distinctions are bound to arouse curiosity during a camping holiday in an area with such a rich historical and natural heritage.

Which campsites are ideal for visiting Montsoreau?

Montsoreau is a real gem in the Maine et Loire region, and it would be a shame to miss out on discovering it. Even if you decide at the last minute, a stay at a campsite in Montsoreau, wherever it may be, needs to be organised as much as possible, and involves choosing an establishment according to your criteria. Budget, number of stars, level of comfort, peace and quiet, children's activities, water park, etc. To help you make the most of your visit to this commune, voted one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, we've put together a selection of the best campsites for you to choose from. Let us guide you!

Campsites with swimming pool in Maine et Loire

Campsite L'Isle Verte **** at Montsoreau in Maine-et-Loire (49)

The only campsite in the commune of Montsoreau, the Isle Verte campsite **** is located on the banks of the Loire and has 27 rentals (canvas bungalows, mobile homes and tents) on 114 pitches in the middle of the Regional Nature Park. For your leisure, the campsite has a heated outdoor swimming pool and a paddling pool for children. You can try your hand at a number of sports, including canoeing on the Loire, pétanque, tennis and volleyball. Children will be delighted to have fun in the play area and take part in the entertainment provided by the campsite team. Dance evenings are organised during the summer season. The campsite is open from early April to mid-October.

Domaine de La Brèche ***** Mobile home rentals in Maine-et-Loire

Domaine de La Brèche campsite ***** in Varennes-sur-Loire is just 7.5 km from the village of Montsoreau, voted one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Open from the end of April to mid-September, this quiet luxury campsite welcomes you to the heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, with 250 pitches and 110 accommodation units, a magnificent water park with two large heated pools (one of which is covered), a waterslide and top-of-the-range activities such as a riding centre. You'll find all the sports you could wish for here, including archery, beach volleyball and tennis. Children and teenagers will love the clubs, playground and entertainment. There are lively evenings and shows for all the family at sunset. For a holiday full of memories with family and friends.

Camping Domaine de la Brèche
© Camping Domaine de la Brèche

Ile Auger campsite *** by the water in Indre-et-Loire (37)

Situated in Chinon and less than 20 km from the village of Montsoreau, the 3-star Île Auger campsite *** offers pleasant comfort on the banks of the River Vienne in a magnificent green setting. Between April and October, choose your accommodation from among the 18 available and 200 pitches. Your comfortable eco-friendly canvas and wood bungalow is waiting for you here to make the most of the wealth of landscapes and built heritage this beautiful region has to offer. Table tennis, a children's play area and a baby bathroom are also available. A simple, comfortable campsite.

Cheaper camping around Montsoreau

Belle Rive ** campsite in Candes-Saint-Martin, another village classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, is less than 6 km from Montsoreau. Open from April to September, the campsite has around sixty pitches, a number of rentals and a horse-riding reception. There is also a tennis court and table tennis tables, as well as electric bike hire. Pets are allowed on the pitches.

What treasures does the village of Montsoreau hide?

Le Château

Built in 1450 by Jean II de Chambres, King Charles VII's privy councillor, Château de Montsoreau is the first Renaissance Loire château and the only one built on the banks of the Loire. Built in the Gothic style, its history has been witnessed by celebrities such as Anne of Brittany, François I and Henri IV. Transformed into a museum of contemporary art in 2016, the 2,500 square metre permanent collection is considered to be the largest in the world. It's a lively place where temporary exhibitions, concerts and other events are organised throughout the year. Its terraces offer breathtaking views over the Loire... A visit not to be missed.

Château de Montsoreau
Château de Montsoreau© iStock

Saint-Pierre-de-Rest Church

The village is a delight to stroll through, with its charming flower-lined lanes. Listed as a Historic Monument, Saint-Pierre-de-Rest church was built between the 13th and 18th centuries in honour of Saint-Pierre, patron saint of fishermen. The special feature of this Gothic church is the white tufa stone, typical of the region, used in its construction. It was built on the former major river bed, which has now disappeared. Saint-Pierre-de-Rest church is a must-see when visiting the village of Montsoreau.

Saut aux Loups mushroom farm

The Saut aux Loups mushroom farm is the place to discover the best-kept secrets of mushroom growing. But before going inside, let's take a look at the outside. It's a former white tufa quarry, the same stone used to build the Saint-Pierre-de-Rest church, and this cave-like interior gives it a playful air that's sure to amuse children. When you consider that 75% of button mushrooms are grown here, it's hardly surprising to find a mushroom farm in Montsoreau. But other species are also grown at Saut aux Loups, including shiitake (a cousin of the porcini mushroom from the Far East) and oyster mushrooms. You'll learn about the different stages and ways of growing mushrooms, all under the watchful eye of children. The scenography makes the visit exciting and fun too. It's an activity the whole family should enjoy.

Mushroom house
Mushroom house© iStock

Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park and Maison du Parc

Situated in the heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, Montsoreau boasts an exceptional environment of forests, valleys, vineyards and hedged farmland, not forgetting the Loire and its furrows. It's an ideal location for hiking and mountain biking, with a wealth of views over the magnificent Maine-et-Loire landscape. The area also boasts a wealth of wildlife, including over 200 species of bird. Straddling the Indre-et-Loire and Maine-et-Loire regions, the Park covers 116 communes. At the Maison du Parc in Montsoreau, you can find out more about the Loire and its history over the centuries, and find out where to visit. It also offers events on the theme of nature, as well as exhibitions. There are even guided tours of the park at night. A fascinating place for anyone who loves nature and cares about the environment.

Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park
Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park © iStock

The wine cellar

Finally, for wine-lovers, head to the hillside at the entrance to the village, to a magnificent troglodytic cellar, to discover the many appellations of the Loire Valley wines, with a wine trail from Nantes to Sancerre. When you reach the hillside, take in the superb views over the Loire and the château.

 

The vineyards of Montsoreau
The vineyards of Montsoreau© iStock

 

 

 

 

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