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Indre-et-Loire tourism: fill up on culture and adventure!
Between Saumur and Chinon, discover a region where history blends with nature. Here, the castles of the Loire watch over picturesque tuffeau villages, while the vineyards of Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur offer landscapes as far as the eye can see.
Whether you’re a lover of heritage, gastronomy or open-air walks, Indre-et-Loire offers a thousand ways to marvel. On foot, by cycling or motorcycle, let yourself be guided along the trails that run alongside the Loire, cross lush green hillsides and dive into an authentic way of life, punctuated by the gentle seasons and rich traditions.
Tour the châteaux of the Loire Valley
Discover the treasures of the Loire and Touraine’s heritage, accessible by cycling or by car from the campsite near Chinon:
- Chinon Royal Fortress (9 km): follow in the footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland at this medieval castle steeped in history.
- Château d’Ussé (14 km): dive into the fairytale castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty, and admire the gardens designed by Le Nôtre, the master gardener at Versailles.
- Château de Saumur (19 km): admire its exceptional panoramic view over the Loire and explore its museum of decorative arts and the horse.
- Château du Rivau and its gardens (21 km): stroll through its magical gardens and marvel at its poetic architecture.
- Château de Brézé (21 km): explore its underground galleries and discover its well-kept secrets.
Each castle offers a unique experience, combining legend, history and breathtaking landscapes. Beyond these iconic sites, the Loire Valley abounds in other castles, manor houses and historic residences, accessible on a walk or a day getaway.
Campsites near Saumur: heritage treasures to discover
Ideally located, the campsite La Fritillaire is the perfect check-out point to discover the treasures of the region’s heritage and the typical villages of the Loire :
- Candes-Saint-Martin (6 km): rated one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, this charming village invites you to stroll along its picturesque lanes and Romanesque collegiate church.
- Montsoreau (9 km): admire this enchanting village on the banks of the Loire, famous for its castle and unique atmosphere.
- Chinon (9 km): a town of art and history, ideal for a cultural walk through medieval streets and views over the Vienne river and the fortress.
- Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud (11 km): one of Europe’s largest monastic cities, home to the remains of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart, a place steeped in history and emotion.
- Souzay-Champigny (13 km): explore its fascinating troglodyte trail and discover another face of the region.
- Saumur (22 km): a Renaissance town and a land of horsemen, with its castle, stables and museums, the town offers a fully booked tour of Anjou’s heritage.
Each stage is an invitation to stroll, to marvel and to taste the authenticity of the villages and towns of Touraine and Anjou.
On the Loire wine route
La Fritillaire campsite is located in the heart of the Chinon vineyards, just ten kilometers from the famous Bourgueil and Saumur appellations. Whether you like rosé, white or red wine, crémant, sparkling or semi-sparkling, you’ll find what you’re looking for at one of the region’s estates. From the campsite, discover the green hillsides and family-run wine cellars, where the winemakers will share their passion and know-how with you.
Enjoy local specialities on your walks: fouées, bite-sized breads baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with rillettes or goat’s cheese. Serve with galipettes: mushrooms stuffed with butter, garlic and parsley, for example.
From wine tastings to gourmet delights, each stage becomes an authentic experience, in the heart of Touraine’s wine-growing landscapes and gentle way of life.
Top family tours around Saumur and Chinon
Discover all the cultural and leisure activities for young and old, nearby the La Fritillaire campsite. From museums to listed historic monuments and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone:
- Monument Game at Chinon Fortress (10 km): a life-size game inside medieval walls, ideal for having fun while learning about history.
- Fontevraud Abbey night-time tour (11 km): a magical tour by lantern light, diving into the mysteries of the abbey.
- A tour of Pierre et Lumière (26 km): an astonishing route where you can discover sculptures carved in tuffeau stone, representing the monuments of the Loire Valley.
- Vallée des Goupillères, Azay-le-Rideau (35 km): explore a remarkable natural troglodyte site and discover the life of Touraine’s farmers in days gone by.
- Écomusée du Véron (2 km): a living museum for understanding history, culture and traditions.
- Street Art Parc (7 km): be amazed by the colorful contemporary artworks scattered around the grounds of the Château de Candes.
- Chimomu (10 km): discover over 70 exceptional motorcycles and 1,600 miniature bikes, a fascinating museum for two-wheel enthusiasts and the whole family.
- Musée Rabelais – La Devinière (11 km): discover the birthplace of the famous writer of Gargantua and Pantagruel, a unique museum housed in a 15th-century dwelling with gardens, troglodytic wine cellars and exhibitions.
Wildlife parks :
- Bioparc at Doué-la-Fontaine (41 km): discover more than 1,200 animals in a unique zoological park in the heart of former troglodyte quarries.
- Aquarium de Touraine (71 km): explore underwater life and admire species from all over the world.
- Beauval Zoo (114 km): one of Europe’s most beautiful zoos, where you can observe rare and fascinating animals.
The best activities in Indre-et-Loire
Enjoy open-air activities and family fun in a natural or playful setting. Between sports, swimming and theme parks, there’s plenty to make your days memorable:
- Bourgueil lake (9 km) and Avoine swimming pool (5 km): swimming and relaxation with family.
- Base de loisirs de Chinon (10 km): canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding to enjoy the Vienne in a different way.
- Tourist boat trip to Chinon (10 km): discover the town and its castles from traditional boats, with anecdotes about local heritage.
- Accrobranche at Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt (19 km): guaranteed thrills for budding adventurers.
Amusement parks :
- Futuroscope in Poitiers (79 km): thrills, technology and interactive discoveries for the whole family.
- Aquascope (79 km): water park with water slides and water games for all ages (next to Futuroscope).
- Parc Terra Botanica, Angers (83 km): travel to the heart of plants and gardens, between entertainment and educational discoveries.
- Puy du Fou (103 km): grandiose shows and historical re-enactments for an epic journey back in time.
Your directions for discovering the region by cycling from the campsite
From La Fritillaire campsite, set off directly to discover the signposted cycle paths, including the famous Loire à Vélo. This emblematic direction plunges you into the heart of the Loire landscape : castles, villages of character or troglodytic, vineyards and panoramic views over the river. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, this is a great opportunity to explore the Loire Valley at your own pace, in complete freedom.
- La Loire à Vélo to Château d’Ussé (outward journey 36 km): follow the banks of the Loire and Indre rivers to reach the fairytale castle of Ussé. A gentle, leafy walk dotted with peaceful villages and superb viewpoints.
- La Loire à Vélo to Saumur (outward journey 54 km): a sportive direction along the hillsides or a gentler one along the Loire, this getaway takes you to the historic city of Saumur, passing through the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers, the troglodytic villages of Montsoreau and Turquant, and the unusual passage under the troglodytic tunnel of Souzay-Champigny to arrive at the foot of the castle overlooking the Saumur hillside.
Cycle paths around the campsite
Numerous cycling loops complete the cycling offer around the campsite. They allow you to vary the pleasures between vineyards, heritage, nature and emblematic Touraine villages.
- Cycling loop n°38 – Between Chinon and Candes-Saint-Martin (25 km, check-out from the campsite): a beautiful walk through the vineyards and bocage of the Véron, between vineyards and historic villages, ideal for a half-day cycling trip.
- Cycling loop n°43 – Between Anjou and Touraine (17 km – 31 km from the campsite): a bucolic getaway linking Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, rated among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, with a must-see visit to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.
- Cycling route n°39 – Between Chinon and the Vienne valley (20 km – 42 km from the campsite): a route through the heart of the AOC Chinon vineyards, with magnificent views of the Royal Fortress and opportunities to stop off at the Cravant-les-Côteaux winegrowers.
- Voie Verte Richelieu-Chinon – towards Château du Rivau (46 km outward journey from the campsite): on a former railroad line, this easy, safe trail links Richelieu to Chinon through natural landscapes, vineyards and villages, ideal for a family outing.
- Cycling route no. 42 – In the footsteps of Rabelais (28 km – 50 km from the campsite): set off for Chinon, then pass through the villages of Rivière, La Roche-Clermault, Seuilly and Cinais, where you’ll find bushwalks, literary heritage and the Richelieu-Chinon greenway.
Between the river, vineyards, picturesque villages and emblematic castles, the region is ideal for discovering by cycling from the La Fritillaire campsite. Thanks to our on-site bike rentals, whether classic or electrically assisted, you can set off on the Loire à Vélo and the many other cycling trails in the surrounding area. Here, every pedal stroke is an invitation to slow down, contemplate and savor the art of living in Touraine, for an unforgettable getaway in Indre-et-Loire.
Hiking routes around the campsite
From the La Fritillaire campsite, explore the marked trails winding between vineyards, hillsides, forests and the banks of the Loire.
These hikes offer a gentle immersion into the heart of the Touraine countryside, punctuated by panoramic views, villages full of character and sites steeped in history.
Whether you’re a lover of leisurely walks or a more seasoned hiker, these directions are an invitation to take your time, breathe and discover the region at your own pace.
- Bertignolles discovery trail – Savigny-en-Véron (3h – 10.9 km – easy level) – Distance from campsite: 1.7 km
A beautiful loop in the heart of the Véron bocage and Bertignolles dry grasslands, two natural sites of European interest for their biodiversity, between wet meadows, ancient Roman roads, Loire landscapes and traditional hamlets.
- At the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers – Candes-Saint-Martin (1 h – 4 km – easy level) – Distance from campsite: 6 km
An accessible walk combining heritage and panoramic views, through one of France’s most beautiful villages, with a remarkable viewpoint over the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, rated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- “Au temps des mariniers de Loire” – Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin (1h – 3.6 km) – Distance from campsite: 8 km
A heritage trail between Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin, exploring the life of Loire bargemen in the XIXᵉ century. Between quays, narrow streets, panoramic views over the Loire-Vienne confluence and rated villages, this walk blends history, the river and Loire architecture.
- Les Puys du Chinonais – Chinon (3 h – 9.3 km – easy level) – Distance from campsite: 10 km
A change of scenery from hill to hill, in the heart of a sensitive natural area with Mediterranean accents, offering a wide variety of landscapes, from dry grassland to woods, with beautiful viewpoints over the vineyards of Chinon.
- Le bocage de Bois Chétif – Avoine, La Chapelle-sur-Loire and Huismes (2h30 to 3h30 – 8 km-10.7 km – easy level) – Distance from campsite: 11 km
A nature walk in the heart of a preserved wet bocage, between grazed meadows, pollarded trees and the banks of the Loire, ideal for observing local biodiversity and enjoying a peaceful environment.
- From the tree to the woods” interpretation trail – Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt (2h – 4.5 km ) – Distance from campsite: 18 km
An educational forest hike in the heart of the Chinon forest, ideal for learning about sustainable forest management. The trail, lined with playful signs, invites young and old alike to follow the life cycle of the tree, in a fresh, shady atmosphere.
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