{"id":43157,"date":"2023-04-24T11:57:04","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T09:57:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.nl\/blog\/?post_type=listing&p=43157"},"modified":"2023-05-05T08:22:38","modified_gmt":"2023-05-05T06:22:38","slug":"tips-castles-loire-valley","status":"publish","type":"listing","link":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/listing\/tips-castles-loire-valley\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the castles of the Loire valley: from Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord to Ch\u00e2teau d’Amboise"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 1981 I cycled from Paris to Nantes with three high school friends. Our goal: to visit as many Loire castles as possible. I still remember those days; it was the summer of Charles and Diana’s wedding. I can still hear the French radio talking about ‘Palais Buckingham’ (pal\u00e8 buukieng\u00e1m<\/em>). So much has changed since then. Or has it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Loire castles and nice campsites<\/h2>\n

The Loire castles are must-sees. Spectacular buildings at beautiful waterfront locations, often with stunning gardens and an interesting history. They don\u2019t feature on all those bucket lists for nothing! Plus they are official World Heritage sites. The castle area starts in Chambord (just below Orl\u00e9ans, about 170 kilometres below Paris) and continues westwards for about 150 kilometres to Angers.<\/p>\n

\"campsite

At a campsite near near Ch\u00e2teau d\u2019Amboise<\/p><\/div>\n

There are campsites in the Loire Valley<\/a> near all the Loire castles, often directly on the Loire and especially on its tributaries. Most sites are set in the countryside, although some of the campsites are located close to the charming towns. It is also an attractive area for cyclists, thanks to the long-distance bike path Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo<\/a>. It\u2019s a much better path than the one I took in 1981, and my bike is much better, too!<\/p>\n

In this blog I would like to tell you more about four impressive Loire castles: Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord, Ch\u00e2teau de Chenonceau, Ch\u00e2teau de Villandry and Ch\u00e2teau d’Amboise. I will also give some tips for good campsites in the area. It\u2019s up to you if you want to visit the castles by bike or by car…<\/p>\n

1. The imposing Chambord Castle<\/h2>\n

Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord<\/a> is the largest and most imposing Loire Castle, built for King Francis I from 1519. The castle has a richly decorated exterior of light stone with a grey roof. Surprising fact: you can walk around on this roof. The entire complex has no fewer than 440 rooms. You will also find an unusual double spiral staircase, which is said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Chambord exudes ultimate grandeur and is interesting for all ages. The castle of course also boasts a beautiful garden, which visitors can enjoy without a face covering.<\/p>\n

Practical information and booking<\/h3>\n