Loire valley advice

[Joker Kev]

We're heading to the Loire valley in July for about 10 days. Anyone know the area well enough to offer visit tips, which chateaux, food, drink etc?

thanx

Kev

[Pepperami]

Will get Mrs pep on the case when she gets home. My memory is pants but it's our fave part of France.

[oorwullie]

my tip would be don't go in july.

and the "area" is over 600 mies long...............

i spent a few days walking down part of it in june about 20 years ago, that was relaxing.

[Mrs Pepperami]

We went in July a couple of years ago. Definitley recommed the chateaux at Chambord, it was fantastic - get there early if you can as it gets pretty busy. Also the chateux at Blois is well worth a visit.

We stayed at campsite between Blois and Chambord on the south side of the Loire. I think it might have been 'Camping Chateaux Lac Du Loire'. It was pretty reasonably priced, with decent clean facilities and even though it was July it wasn't too packed.

Also Loches - with it's citadel was a good place to visit. The campsite there was expensive (about €30 euros per night for two of us). It had a lot of facilities and evening entertainment, which I guess is what you are paying for.

The Rough Guide to the Loire was a useful book with lots of history and practical information.

Generally a beautiful area, which we really liked.

Hope you have a great time!

[vic20]

Saumur [between Tours and Angers] is definately worth a wander around, good chateau/caslte/house thing at the top.

The zoo at Doué was also very good [although was 4 years ago]

Rosé wine from any farm seemed good

[Pepperami]

We bought enough sparkling wine from the caves at Samaur to float a battle ship.

[vic20]

We bought enough sparkling wine from the caves at Samaur to float a battle ship.

Didn't realise that we left that much.

[Joker Kev]

Many thanks for the info guys, it'll give me someting to build on. My biggest problem is what to leave out of the van to get the wine in!!

[vic20]

My biggest problem is what to leave out of the van to get the wine in!!

Kids, wife, seats.......

[Pepperami]

We just filled the middle of the bus. Was scared it was going to snap in half.

[dearjohn]

We filled the camper in Germany, little place called Bodenheim, on the Rhine. 40 producers in a tiny village, magic. Do not fill all the lockers down the side of the van with bottles, as you may cause it to fall over on an incline!
Filled other side when we gfot to France, all in the name of balance, naturally! 160 bottles I think in total. Still got 5 or 6 left...

[T25-GTi]

http://www.puydufou.com/fr/

This place is definately worth checking out, its in the same sort of area of rance, we went a couple of years ago and it is absolutely amazing, its like a theme park but full of amazing outdour theatres with shows that you can go and watch, The grand finale been an evening show with over 1500 actors and the stage is set in front of an actual castle and around a lake and you sit in a big stadium overlooking it all.

[Joker Kev]

My biggest problem is what to leave out of the van to get the wine in!!

Kids, wife, seats.......

I like your thinking...... the other half won't, but you've got to prioritise, she's been to France lots of times anyway!!!

[Joker Kev]

Just returned from the Loire, covered a fair few miles, stayed in the three good campsites, the van performed faultlessly.

It is a wonderful area, will re visit because you cannot possibly cover it all in a week and a half. Many thanks to Mrs pepperami & Vic 20 for the advice, it was spot on.

Also brought one or two bottles back......

Kev

[vic20]

Also brought one or two bottles back......

Kev

Would have dis-owned you if you hadn't

Glad you enjoyed. Off to Normandy next week

Joe