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Some campsites don't open until the middle of May and some sites  have reduced facilities available so check carefully if certain things are important to you. Tourist attractions, Chateaux etc will certainly be open, and it's a good time to visit because there will be less people around!  You won't need to book sites, and can just go where you please.

In May you could find the weather is really hot - there's a weather website where you can select a nearby town, and find historical weather records for that town going back years and years.  I looked up Tours in the Loire, and temperatures seem to vary, over the last few years, from 14 degrees to 27 degrees, mostly being in the low 20's.  Obviously you aren't guaranteed sunshine, but it's likely to be warmer than here in Britain!  I looked up the area where we live - and the average temperature in May was 14 degrees, with a maximum of 21 on one day at the very end of May! 

If you're camping/caravanning then have a look at Camping Cheques, ACSI or Touring Cheques.  Touring Cheques are £12.95 and pay for one night on site, for pitch, two people, car and caravan (or tent or motorhome), awning and electricity.  Camping Cheques are £13.95  for the same deal, but also include a dog in the price, ACSI sites vary from 11 to 15 euros for the same deal.  Vacansoleil Cheques are only £9 for the same arrangement, and do have a couple of sites in the Loire area including one at Cheverny, very near to the famous Chateau of the same name.

We usually holiday in May - but generally go further south.  It is a nice time to be away - although some campsites can be very quiet (which is what we like, as long as the facilities are open).

hi

we went in May half term for 3 years running, 2005 - 2007, the first year we had good weather, kids could go in the outdoor pool and we could sunbathe most days, the second year, weather very mixed, few days of rain and a few days of sun, the third year was awful, it rained every day and was cold and miserable and to be honest it did ruin our holiday as the kids couldnt go in the outdoor pool as it was so cold. I think generally the weather is better than here but its never guaranteed. We visited lots of chateaux and tourist attractions in the Loire each year and found everything was open and was fairly quiet compared to when we have been in August. Hope this helps!

we've been May half term a couple of times. Weather can be iffy. We last went end of May 2008 and the Loire burst its banks due to the volume of rain in the Massive C entral which made the water level rise down the Loire. Was a sight to see though although the mossies were a nighmare!

 The weather can be excellent though and its on our shortlist for this May depending on the weather.

We will be using camping cheques. I certainly wouldnt book anywhere as you will have no problem getting a pitch.

We went to Gien in Eastern Loire in 2002 at Spring Bank. We arrived in cold, torrential rain and wondered what we had let ourselves in for. Two days later the sun came out and it was HOT!!. The campsite went from being almost empty to full and they had to open another sanitation block and managed to get the small pool open as it was s hot. Hence you can expect anything. Have a great time and hope you get the warm not the cold.

Janet x