The Loire Valley is one of the most elegant and comfortable routes you can do by motorhome in France: a string of fairytale castles (the Renaissance châteaux), vineyards, charming villages and the best French "art de vivre", all with the country's excellent network of aires. Perfect for a getaway with flavour. Here's the route.
The must-see castles
- Chambord: the largest and most spectacular, with its double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo.
- Chenonceau: the "castle of the ladies", over the River Cher, gorgeous.
- Amboise (where Leonardo da Vinci died), Blois, Villandry (for its gardens), Chenonceau...
There are dozens; pick just a few to enjoy without rushing.
Beyond the castles
The Loire Valley is also France's largest wine region by variety: vineyards, wineries and tastings (Vouvray, Chinon, Sancerre). And charming villages, markets and delicious food. French pleasure in its purest form.
The advantage: French "aires"
France has one of the best motorhome aire networks in Europe (the "aires de camping-car"), many of them free or very cheap, spread across every village. Travelling by camper in France is comfortable and affordable thanks to them (see overnight areas).
Practical tips
- Spring and autumn: ideal; the gardens are at their best and there are fewer people.
- Choose few castles: better to enjoy four or five properly than rush through fifteen.
- Combine it with cycling: the "Loire à Vélo" cycle route is magnificent (see cycle touring).
- Make the most of the aires to sleep for free or nearly free in beautiful villages.
In summary
The Loire Valley offers fairytale castles, vineyards and France's great aire network on an elegant, very comfortable route. The step you can take today: pick four or five castles (Chambord and Chenonceau are unmissable), pair them with wine tastings and sleep in the village aires; you'll have a well-rounded getaway with the best French flavour. Link it with routes across Europe.