What is the best itinerary for visiting the Loire Valley castles by camper van?
Visiting the Loire Valley castles during a road trip in a camper van is ideal because the region is perfectly suited for camper vans with numerous free or paid areas and many spots. All the castles also offer a solution for easily parking your vehicle. Like Brittany, the region is truly “camper van friendly”! Here is an itinerary to discover some of the most beautiful castles in the area. This route is designed for a 7-day duration but can be adjusted according to your availability. We have visited all the castles presented in this itinerary, and you will find dedicated articles on each on the blog!
Day 1: Start your road trip in Tours
- Tours: An ideal starting point with its charming historic center and famous Place Plumereau.
- Château de Villandry: Known for its magnificent French gardens. It is one of our favorite castles, the gardens are beautiful, and you will also discover vegetable gardens!
Day 2: Tours – Amboise
- Château d’Amboise: A royal residence with a breathtaking view of the Loire.
- Clos Lucé: The last residence of Leonardo da Vinci with a huge park dedicated to his inventions, which becomes a large playground!
Day 3: Amboise – Blois
- Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire: Located on a hill with exceptional gardens that host the International Garden Festival.
- Château de Blois: A mix of architectural styles with sound and light shows in summer.
- Magic Museum: Located opposite the castle, a must-see, it is really great!
Day 4: Blois – Chambord – Cheverny
- Château de Chambord: The largest of the Loire castles, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance. The most beautiful, of course! Don’t miss a little tour in its woods!
- Château de Cheverny: Known for its sumptuous interior and its link with Tintin (Moulinsart Castle), don’t miss the interactive Tintin museum located in the castle park.
Day 5: Cheverny – Chenonceau
- Château de Chenonceau: Also known as the Château des Dames, with its arches spanning the Cher.
- Montrésor: A small detour to this village classified among the most beautiful in France with its picturesque castle, fully furnished and richly decorated, a little gem! We loved this castle and the walk in the forest. Don’t miss the super fun treasure hunt to do!
Day 6: Chenonceau – Azay-le-Rideau – Ussé
- Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: Situated on an island in the middle of the Indre, the castle is beautiful, and the walk in the park is very pleasant.
- Château d’Ussé: The inspiration for the story of Sleeping Beauty, the visit to the castle will tell you the tale with reconstructions of scenes and characters!
Day 7: Return to Tours
- Château de Langeais: One of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Loire. Don’t miss the bird of prey show offered in high season!
- This little road trip will allow you to discover the most famous and beautiful castles. Of course, you can spread out your visits and extend the duration of the stay according to your pace!
Where to sleep with your camper van while visiting the Loire Valley castles?
The region is very well suited for camper vans, offering different options according to your preferences and budget.
- Camper van areas: Very numerous, even in small villages, and many are free!
- Campsites: Available at all price ranges and plentiful in this tourist region.
- Free spots: Mostly found on the edge of forests, be sure to check if overnight stays are allowed and do not park in front of private path exits.
- France Passion: In our opinion, the best way to visit the castles! Combine culture, relaxation, and gourmet delights! France Passion allows you to stay directly with farmers in the heart of nature. Don’t hesitate to read our dedicated article on France Passion!
How much does it cost to rent a camper van and how does it work?
The cost of renting a camper van can vary based on several factors, such as the size of the vehicle, the season, and the rental duration. On average, you can expect to pay between 80 and 150 euros per day.
Booking a camper van is usually done online through specialized platforms like Yescapa or Wikicampers. We recommend booking in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the high season! When booking, you will often need to pay a deposit and provide certain documents such as your driver’s license and an ID.
Here are the types of vehicles available on the Yescapa platform, for example:
Once the reservation is made, on the day you pick up the vehicle, a thorough inspection of the camper van will be carried out in the presence of the owner to note the general condition of the vehicle. It is important to carefully check all the equipment and ask questions about the operation of the installations (electricity, water, gas, etc.). A security deposit is also required, usually covering potential damages and cleaning fees.
Insurance is another important aspect to verify. Most rental contracts include basic insurance, but it may be wise to opt for additional coverage for optimal protection, especially in case of an accident or theft!
What is the best time to visit the Loire Valley in a camper van?
Any time of year! Most of the Loire Valley castles offer activities according to the seasons.
- In summer, it is the season with the most visitors, and visiting some castles like Chambord can become quite an adventure!
- In spring, there are fewer crowds but still plenty of sunshine! Perhaps the best season!
- In autumn, many castles are decorated for the season, especially for Halloween. Don’t hesitate to read our article on Halloween at Château de Meung-sur-Loire!
- At Christmas, our favorite season! Most of the castles are lit up to make this season truly magical! The castles are beautifully decorated. Really, if you must choose just one season, it would be this one!
Are there any constraints for visiting the Loire Valley castles in a camper van?
NONE! As you can see, the region is “camper van friendly.” You will have no difficulty driving, sleeping, and even parking. Almost all the castles offer dedicated parking for camper vans without restrictions or height barriers!
