Camping Les Bois du Bardelet

This lush land is close to the Loire river, among the castles, history, vineyards and old villages of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley. The Camping Les Bois du Bardelet team arranges excursions to famed châteaux and vineyards in the region, as well as riverboat trips: have a natter with the staff on reception to see what's on offer during your stay. Hire bikes for the family on site to take out on the many local cycle paths, starting a couple of kilometres from the grounds. If you'd rather wander, stride onto the waymarked footpath accessible straight from the site, and venture off into the countryside with the assistance of walking notes or maps from the staff. The Loire river is about five kilometres from here for riverside meanders. Camping Les Bois du Bardelet is about 15 minutes' drive from Gien, on the Loire about an hour from Orléans. It's a royally handsome town (bought for medieval king Philip 2), with a castle and a famed bridge that's spanned the water here for centuries. The bridge is the best spot in town for taking a photo, particularly at night when both it and the castle are lit up; after that, cross back over to the modern part of town for a tasty bite at one of the excellent restaurants.