Visit the Loiret

What to do in the Loiret during the vacations ?

The Loiret is a very beautiful destination to spend a nice family vacation. Discover the history of the region with its many castles along the Loire. We have chosen for you some ideas of castle visits near our Loiret campsite.

Walk in the forest of Orleans

The forest of Orleans is the largest state forest in France, located between Gien and Orleans. It is a privileged space with a breathtaking biodiversity: 180 species of birds, 730 plant species, three hundred year old oaks, giant sequoias, etc. One can observe diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey, including very rare ones.

During your walks in the forest of Orleans, you will come across many ponds, springs and vestiges of the Middle Ages. The forest is criss-crossed by walking routes marked out by the ONF, for safe hikes.

Admire the Faïencerie de Gien

The Faïencerie de Gien is a true institution for the people of Gien, with a worldwide reputation. Created in 1821, it became one of the most important ceramic productions of the 19th century in Europe. Today, the Faïencerie de Gien offers contemporary pieces and promotes French luxury. It is now a certified Living Heritage Company.

The museum of the Faïencerie tells the history of the factory, the various techniques used, the forms and the decorations. You can also find pieces created for the different world exhibitions.

Wine tasting in the vineyards of the Coteaux du Giennois

The Coteaux du Giennois extend between Gien and Cosne-sur-Loire. Today, 1.1 million bottles are created each year. The white wine of the Coteaux du Giennois offers notes of quince and white flowers, to give a Sauvignon of character.

The red wine is a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir, to offer a fruity wine with red fruit aromas and slightly spicy notes. In rosé, the Coteaux du Giennois is highlighted by aromas of vine peach, with peppery notes.

The most beautiful places in the Loiret

Visit the Castle of Valençay

Far from your apprehensions, it is not just a simple castle, but a castle that hides a heavy era of valiant warriors of the Middle Ages. The castle of Valençaywill make you believe at first sight that you are in a Middle Eastern village, but don’t worry, you are in France. Its remarkable architecture, majestically implanted in a charming park, is the result of the ingenuity of what it recounts.

According to history, the Prince of Talleyrand had made his first receptions there. The different rooms richly decorated with contemporary objects remind us of the wealth of an empire that has perpetuated its traces in time. In the courtyard of the vast castle, you have a French-style garden, carved in the manner of Napoleon’s labyrinth. A theater also overlooks the whole territory. You can go there to relax for an evening and enjoy walking through the lines of the garden.

Spend an afternoon on the terraces of Chambord castle

A tourist visit to Loiret without a stopover on this site is a biased visit. Few castles in the world have such architecture. France is known to be a conservative country and this site is the proof. The view from the terraces of the Chambord castle is unique, both historically and architecturally. Each piece of this place traces a heavy history.

The Chambord castle is located on the edge of a riverbank that continues its path towards other horizons of France. After having slalomed between the dormer windows, excavated from top to bottom by the scissors of a gifted sculptor, go directly up the stairs to admire the beautiful view that awaits you. All the greenery that makes up the castle is combed to create art. The various royal symbols are placed here and there in the whole territory.

Inside the castle, time seems to have stopped when the court of the time was waiting for the return of the hunters around a game of cards. Ask the guide enough questions to learn a little more about French history.

Make a detour to the Carolingian Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés

Continue your sightseeing by making a quick detour to the Carolingian oratory. If the facade leaves some doubts, the interior of the building holds pleasant surprises. The different rooms of this place let us believe that all the French artists made a tour there. Beyond the story it tells through objects, designs and furnished rooms, there is also pure art. The artistic brushes blend beautifully with the amber colors of each piece.

If you are a Christian, this is the time to ask God for forgiveness, as you are in one of the oldest churches in the world. It was erected at the request of Theodulf, Charlemagne’s closest adviser. Dating from the year 806, it saw the passage of the chest that contained the Tables of the Law and the Ark of the Covenant. The incredible preservation of the different objects is what makes this place so unique.

The castle of Sully-sur-Loire

Learn more about the history of France by scheduling a visit to the castle of Sully-sur-Loire. Once the home of a royal family, this castle is now one of the guardians of French history.

Proudly standing in the middle of the Loire River and bordered by a large area of water, this castle has managed to stand for 7 centuries to this day. Water could have been the cause of its construction, but beyond the renovation work, it must be recognized that this large house was designed to withstand all kinds of trials.

This imposing medieval architecture is none other than the house of the Duke of Sully, Maximilian of Bethune. For four consecutive centuries, the family of the man of the law occupied the place and took care of it. Today, it is classified as one of France’s tourist treasures. Through its high towers and moats anchored in the water, the minister of Henri IV has perpetuated the traces of a rich history.

Admire Fleury Abbey

To end your adventure in Loiret, visit the Fleury Abbey. What better way to end your stay than with a divine blessing in an ancient abbey? The different rooms of this Roman basilica bring back to the surface the ancient traditions. Religious people or lovers of religion will not lack something to feed their curiosity with historical religious sculptures that litter this ancient church.

Thanks to the crypts of Saint-Benoît dating from the XIth century, you will undoubtedly be informed of the different events that took place in this place. Contemplating the relics of early Catholics will certainly increase your faith in God. You can also admire the size of the bell tower and the religious symbols scattered all over the place. Through the air that circulates in the different rooms, you’ll probably have no trouble getting fully immersed in the story.

In short, the Loiret is one of the greatest French tourist heritages.

Your stay in Loiret in the tourist camp-site of Gien

Take advantage of our comfortable accommodation in mobile homes and trailers at the best price, in our tourist campsite in Gien. Or if you prefer, we offer camping sites with large areas for tents, caravans and camper vans in the town of Poilly-lez-gien. Vacationers will love diving into the pool with the kids and enjoying the activities and entertainment at our 3 star service Loiret campground.