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Sologne : a green setting on the outskirts of Paris

Sologne is a region full of charm and mystery. With its forests, lakes and castles, this region has managed to preserve its natural and cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for lovers of history, nature and hiking.

An unspoilt oasis of vegetation

Far from urban pollution, almost 5,000 km2 of vast plains await you in the Centre Val de Loire.

Located in the heart of France, 200 km from Paris, Sologne is renowned for its many lakes. This wild, wet area boasts no fewer than 3,000 lakes ! The Etangs de Beaumont, des Lévrys and du Puits, to name but a few, are a delight for anglers and nature lovers alike.

The Sologne region has managed to preserve its exceptional natural environment by implementing conservation and sustainable development policies.

In the morning mists, you can observe insects, endemic plants and migratory birds.

Don’t hesitate to make a diversion to the reed beds, a typical wetland ecosystem. And if aquatic life fascinates you, why not visit the Maison des Étangs de Saint-Viâtre ?

Must-do activities in Sologne

It’s impossible not to mention the vast forests of Sologne. Smell the undergrowth ! You might even be lucky enough to hear a stag bellowing in autumn.

The gently rolling countryside is ideal for walking, horse-riding and cycling.

In fact, don’t miss the Loire à vélo, which winds its way along the Loire from Nevers to Saint-Nazaire.

There are also a number of well-maintained and signposted walking routes to discover the region’s most famous ponds. Sologne Val de Loire has produced a magnificent downloadable booklet of the most beautiful walks.

Looking for an original and fun way to discover the region with your family ? Try and espace game ! The Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels Centre – Val de Loire has created around thirty routes through unspoilt sites. Set off on an adventure and uncover their treasures, for the enjoyment of you and old alike.

Would you prefer to recharge your batteries in peace and quiest ? A trip along the water, by boat, on the ponds or canals, is just the thing.

Discovering the region’s historical and cultural heritage

The region’s châteaux are the pride and joy of the Sologne region. From Chambord to Cheverny, they are a delight for lovers of the secrets of French history and architecture.

In Romorantin-Lanthenay, the capital of Sologne, you can also be surprised by the originality of the Matra automobile museum.

When visiting the region, don’t miss the Zoo Parc Beauval, one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. You’ll be amazed by its animals from every continent. With its large aviary, Australian greenhouse, Asian plain and equatorial dome, you’ll be travelling the world in just a few hours !

After all these adventures, you’ll no doubt need to recharge your batteries. Fortunately, Sologne’s gastronomy has a few surprises in store for you. Many specialities based on game of fish, followed by goat’s cheese, will fill you up. And for dessert, the famous Tatin sister’s tart and the mystery surrounding its invention will delight your taste buds.

Sologne is a must for anyone looking to espace the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge their batteries in the heart of nature. In a fully equipped van, you’ll be able to explore the region in complete freedom.

From castle to castle

Discover the châteaux of the Loire on board a campervan

Immerse yourself in the history of France and be enchanted by the beauty of its castles on a trip in a campervan. From Blois to Chenonceau, via Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire or Cheverny, discover the jewels of the French Renaissance and witnesses to the past grandeur of the monarchy. Ready to embark on an epic journey ? Follow us on our adventure “From castle to castle”.

Chambord : the architectural masterpiece

Let’s begin our journey down the Loire at the Château de Chambord. This is probably the most famous castle in the Loire Valley. Built in the 16th century by King François I, it is a true architectural masterpiece. The castle’s monumental façade, with its countless turrets and fireplaces, is truly impressive.
The interior of the castle is just as grand, with its painted ceilings and sumptuous reception rooms. Not forgetting the mysterious double-revolution staircases, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, where you can go up and down without ever passing each other.
The French-style gardens, designed under Louis XIV and recreated as faithfully as possible today, add to the majesty of the place. You may be lucky enough to come across the stag, the emblem of the Chambord national estate, at a bend in the path through the forest park.

Blois : the jewel of the Renaissance

Next stop is Blois. This town on the banks of the Loire is a true jewel of the Renaissance.

Built in the 13th century, the Château Royal de Blois has welcomed no fewer than seven kings and ten queens of France!

Its originality comes from the way it has been redesigned by its successive
occupants. There are four main styles of architecture. You’ll travel through the ages, from the medieval fortress to the classical style, via the Gothic wing or the Renaissance wing and its mysterious spiral staircase.

A theatre of French adventure, the citadel is a veritable museum, with each room telling a different story of the French monarchy.

But the town of Blois itself is a charming labyrinth of medieval streets and lively squares. This is the perfect opportunity to sample some local specialities: goat’s cheese, Poulain chocolates (whose workshop has been based in Blois since 1848),
Saint Michel and Chambord biscuits and local beers (in moderation, of course).

Chaumont-sur-Loire : the romantic castle

The third stop on our tour is the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, also on the
banks of the Loire. Built in the 15th century, it has been altered and transformed over the centuries to suit its various owners.

It first belonged to Queen Catherine de Médicis, who later exchanged it for the Château de Chenonceau with her rival, Diane de Poitiers. It was then the
Princesse de Broglie who gave it all its refinement.

Today, the Château de Chaumont is famous for its gardens, created in the 19th century and now a veritable open-air museum. Here you can admire
contemporary sculptures, sumptuous fountains, and rare flowers.

But the Château de Chaumont is best known for its International Garden Festival, held from late April to early November.

Chenonceau : the Ladies’ Castle

Our fourth castle is Chenonceau. It is one of the most famous and elegant jewels of the French Renaissance. Situated on the banks of the Cher this time, to the east of Tours, this castle is well worth a visit.

Its history dates back to the 16th century, when the castle was built by Diane de Poitiers, then mistress of Henry II. She also oversaw the construction of the emblematic bridge linking the two banks of the Cher, as well as the famous terraced garden.

The king’s widow, Catherine de Médicis, did not hesitate to oust her rival as soon as Henri II died. She also made a number of changes, notably to the gallery spanning the river.

Amboise : the last home Leonardo da Vinci

The last stop before reaching Tours, the Château d’Amboise is one of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Situated on a hill overlooking the town of Amboise, this magnificent castle offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.

This feudal residence has a rich and fascinating history, dating back over 500 years.

Built in the 15th century, the castle was bought by King Charles VIII in 1492, who decided to turn it into a royal residence. Under the reign of François I, the castle was enlarged and renovated.

The Château d’Amboise has been the scene of many historic events, the most
memorable of which was the death of Leonardo da Vinci in 1519. Visitors can visit the Saint-Hubert chapel, where his tomb is located.

The Château d’Amboise is also surrounded by magnificent formal gardens.
Recently restored to their original state, they offer breathtaking views over the Loire Valley.

The Loire Valley is full of places steeped in history to discover with your family, your partner or your friends. Between culture and adventure, cross the ages in complete freedom aboard our campervans.

Discover the region differently

Explore the Centre Val de Loire in a different way with a campervan

Have you ever explored your region in a campervan? If you’re looking for an original adventure, whether as a family or as a couple, this could be the option for you. Imagine driving through the landscapes of your region, stopping wherever you like to discover unusual places, or simply relaxing in the middle of nature.
Why not try a campervan? This mode of transport allows you to travel in complete freedom and discover unusual places.
Here are three ideas for places you really must visit in a campervan.

 

Discover mills still in operation

From Oucques to Souvigny-en-Sologne, via Montrichard, the Loir-et-Cher is bursting with mills. Whether they’re water or wind-powered, they’ve got plenty of surprises in store for you.

These historic buildings, with their fascinating architecture, are the silent witnesses of ingenious designers using renewable energies before their time.You’ll discover all the secrets of flour, textile and paper production. You’ll find out everything you need to know about the history of these historic buildings, which are still standing thanks to their fervent defenders.After your visit, you can take a leisurely stroll through the vast surrounding fields, your hair blowing in the wind, before stopping for a picnic in complete tranquillity.

Sleeping in your campervan gives you the unique experience of waking at sunrise, surrounded by the beauty of nature. You’ll be able to make the most of your day’s visit, in complete freedom, without having to worry about timetables.

To find out more about the mills in the Loir-et-Cher, visit the website of the French Mills Federation.

 

Enjoy a trip on the Loire, following the currents

Away from the noise and bustle of the city, climb aboard a traditional boat for a trip on the Loire. This majestic river, the longest in France, is the jewel of the region.

Let yourself be rocked and admire the wild flora and fauna: herons, egrets and beavers have made their home on the banks of this waterway.

A boat trip will give you a whole new perspective on the landscape. You can admire the castle and cathedral of Blois, the Jacques-Gabriel bridge (designed by King Louis XIV), fishermen’s boats and the surrounding forests.

For an even more immersive experience, why not opt for a night’s bivouac on the banks of the Loire? Sleeping in your campervan, you’ll enjoy the softness of the night and the stars, lulled by the sound of the river.

Find out more about departures from the port of La Creusille in Blois with Observatoire Loire or Moments de Loire in Chaumont-sur-Loire.

 

Touring wine estates in a campervan

Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious, you can easily explore the Loire Valley wine route in your campervan.

The region is renowned for its Cheverny, Touraine, Chinon and sparkling Vouvray wines.

Let yourself be guided by your desires and set off to meet passionate winegrowers. You’ll see how enthusiastically they share their know-how and the secrets of their region.

Many cellars are open to visitors. You’ll be able to taste the best wines from the estate, learn more about the grape varieties and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding vineyards.

Plan your trip by browsing the interactive vineyard map.

Travelling in a campervan is an unforgettable experience. It allows you to discover a region in an original and surprising way. Whether you’re passionate about nature, history, culture or gastronomy, there’s always a place to discover close to home.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to book your campervan.

Along the Loire

The most beautiful rides from your van along the Loire by bike

The Loire is undoubtedly Europe’s last wild river, with an incredibly rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. With almost 900 km of it, from Nevers to Saint-Nazaire, the Loire by bike itineraries will never cease to amaze you.

Would you like to cycle them at your own pace, without worrying about accommodation? Strap your bikes into the back of a campervan and set off to discover the treasures of the Loire in complete peace of mind.

As you cycle through the different regions, you’ll discover:

 

The Loire and its historic sites

The Loire Valley is famous for its many castles steeped in history. It’s impossible to list them all, but some are well worth a visit.

The Château de Chambord, an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, is a must-see. A royal castle par excellence, it was built at the instigation of King François I.

You will also pass through the town of Blois, famous for its castle with its unique architecture combining medieval, Renaissance and classical styles.

If you’re feeling curious, you might even visit the medieval town of Loches, with its 37-metre-high keep!

And why not take a diversion along the Cher to admire the Château de Chenonceau, nicknamed the Château des Dames.

All these historic monuments are open to visitors, so make sure you take the time to stop off!

And to find out more about the châteaux of the Loire Valley, read our article “From castle to castle”.

 

Fauna and flora

A walk along the Loire gives you a unique opportunity to observe the wild nature of the region.

Among the typical landscapes, the river forests, now in danger of disappearing, are a model of adaptation. This wet, even flooded environment is the preferred habitat of a number of protected species, including the European otter, the beaver and the great crested newt. You might even be lucky enough to come across the spotted salamander, so dear to François I.

For birdwatchers, it’s also a chance to spot little egrets, little terns, cormorants and ospreys in their natural habitat.

 

Culture and tradition

As you cycle along the Loire, you’ll also discover local traditions and culture.

You can visit picturesque villages. These are precious witnesses to the region’s history, with their stone houses and Romanesque churches.

Don’t miss the local markets, where you can sample local produce such as the famous Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat’s cheese and Chinon wines.

La Loire is also renowned for its festivals throughout the year. These include the Chaumont-sur-Loire Garden Festival in June and the Foulées du Tram in Nantes in September.

For a complete change of scenery, stop off in Saumur. Visit the troglodytic houses and immerse yourself in the Mystery of the Faluns.

As you cycle along the Loire, you’ll discover a region rich in culture and tradition which will not fail filling you with wonder.

With bikes in the back of the van, you can cycle along the river as you please, stopping wherever you like! Along its meanders, islands and sandbanks, every kilometre you travel offers you a new and unforgettable experience.

Consult the Loire by bike map and itineraries to plan your journey at your own pace.

Book your campervan now!

Contact us 07 61 25 46 74 Contact us Blois, Valencisse
Loir-et-Cher (41)
Centre Val de Loire
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