Camping de L’Île Auger

You can hardly miss Chinon’s Royal Fortress, perched high above the river opposite the campsite. A 10-minute stroll will take you through its gates and on a journey to discover its tumultuous history spanning 2,000 years. If you’re visiting this region on holiday, taking a tipple or two is usually on the to-do list. Visit the Combier Distillery (30 minutes’ drive) – the Loire Valley’s oldest – to see how they’ve been brewing up gin, absinthe and all manner of liqueurs since 1834. Or simply search for vineyards near Chinon and take your pick to sample some fine Saumur wines. The city of Tours (40 minutes’ drive) is an easy day trip where a wander around the Musée des Beaux-Arts or Jardin Botanique is a lovely way to pass an afternoon. A more adventurous way to explore the world of plants is an hour away by car at Terra Botanica theme park. Or make friends with the animals at Zoo de la Flèche (1 hour 10 minutes).