I can't help with specific site recommendations but would suggest you think about going in early or late season (April/May/June or late August/September). You can then take advantage of discount schemes such as an ACSI card (www.campingcard.co.uk) or Camping Cheques (www.campingcheque.co.uk) and using these you'll pay only 11 to 15 euros per night for a pitch, two people, car and caravan, awning and electricity. There are lots of sites in the Loire area - and both websites give sufficient descriptions to make up your mind whether they sound your sort of site. There are also stop-over sites - and the advantage is that you needn't book, so can just move as your mood and the weather takes you!
After having nagged fellow UKCS euro campers I came down to two sites - highly recommended by others. Please note that these arent the 'fully loaded' touristy sites.
After having nagged fellow UKCS euro campers I came down to two sites - highly recommended by others. Please note that these arent the fully loaded touristy sites.
Do tell us more
------------- Paul
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We spent a month following the Loire. We started at L'Etang at Brissac near Angers, moved to Chantepie near Saumur then La Citadelle in Loches and finally Les Saules at Cheverny. Then we ran out of time and had to go home. All the sites are ACSI or Camping Cheque sites so won't cost more than £13.95 a night low season.
I would second Les Saules at Cheverny...fantastic owner who works like a trojan for his guests and always has a smile.
Use it as a base for Chambord (the real disney palace) and Blois (our favourite town on the Loire) and you can just walk into Chateau de Cheverny .
The bread shop in Cour Cheverny has queues outside from 6 am as it sells such good produce.
Les Saules also take Vacancesoleil cheques at £9 (10.35 euros) a night
Thank you for all the information on Loire Valley. This will give us a good starting point for study through these snowy winter months. Very helpful indeed and much appreciated.
The Loire is really nice, we enjoyed our visit last summer. Would go back again with no hesitation. Only got to visit one Chateau, but the with two teenage kids, that was all we were going to see. Once we "get rid of them" will be going back.
Depending on what facilities you want there is a decent municipal at St. Avertin, very close to the autroute through Tours, central for lots of chateaux.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!