Camping La Vallée des Vignes

La Vallée des Vignes is an excellent base for exploring the Loire valley and discovering its wealth of history and culture with its many chateaux and vineyards. Other activities are numerous.

In the village of Concourson-sur-Layon there are over 20 wine growers and producers, all offering visits and tastings. The village also has marked trails through the vineyards and surrounding country lanes of varying lengths for both walkers and cyclists alike. The occasional fêtes are held in the picnic area by the river.

Nearby is the market town of Doué la Fontaine with its many restaurants, supermarkets, banks and shops. Doué is also home to a famous zoo set in a lush troglodyte setting, the zoo is recognised by the worldwide wildlife fund for its breeding programmes of endangered species.

Also known as ‘city of the roses’ Doué is home to many rose growers and has some excellent rose gardens and even a rose festival in July. One of the largest markets in the region takes place here every Monday morning. Other places of interest include troglodyte villages and caves, museums, riding club and a roman amphitheatre which holds various concerts and festivals.

The historic town of Saumur is 15 minutes away and has a large selection of restaurants and shops amongst its small streets. The château which dominates the skyline is worth a visit to as well as the Cadre Noir (French National Cavalry School) which offers spectacular displays of horsemanship. Other places of interest include exploring its many famous sparkling wine houses, tank museum, river trips and golf course. Various events and festivals are organised throughout the summer.

Further afield the towns of Angers (château, Tapisary of the Apocalypse, Cointreau Distillery) and Cholet (factory shops) are worth visiting. The famous Loire valley chateaux are in abundance and too numerous to mention. The Royal Abbey at Fontevraud where Richard the Lion Heart and other Plantagenet’s are buried. There are also many interesting gardens to visit. You will find a market virtually every day of the week with Sunday normally reserved for antiques.

The scene to the left depicts canoeing at Montreuil-Bellay one of the most beautiful and historical areas of the Loire Valley. Paddle along the river Thouet and see the Château (tours in English operate throughout the day), museums, the old bridge and numerous shops and restaurants. This is just one of the many adventurous attractions together with a choice of golf courses, riding centres, other water sports, karting, excellent fishing and river trips.

One of the many family attractions in the Loire is Futuroscope. At this famous park you take a fantastic journey into space and enjoy a voyage of fantasy, discovery, pleasure and excitement!! Futuroscope is a great family day out with a huge range of family activities.

The Puy de Fou is a Medieval theme park, with live jousting, battles and falconry. The Puy du Fou is also famous for its spectacular night time ‘Son et Lumiere’ show. The show commences at 10.30pm until 12.30pm during the main season. Well worth a visit! However, booking is essential.

The “Parc Oriental de Maulévrier” featured in the picture to the right is the work of Alexandre Marcel, completed in 1910 is the largest Japanese garden in Europe and offers a truly breath taking experience.

Many more attractions await your approval.

The beaches of the Vendée and Southern Brittany are under two hours away and make for a pleasant day trip.

There are so many exciting things for you to see and do in this area that it would be impossible for us to name all of them. The following are also a taste of just a few of the things that the Loire Valley has to offer, and for which our campsite is an excellent base for.

* Boca Speed Go-Karting – International go-karting circuit
* Caves Bouvet-Ladubay – Famous wine caves with a museum.
* Carrousel – Show held in Saumur by the French cavalry school.
* Champignonniere du saut aux loups – Mushroom Caves.
* Château de Langeais – Medieval Fortress
* Château Montgeoffroy – A Masterpiece of French 18th Century architecture.
* Château Montsoreau – At the heart of a troglodyte village
* Château d’Oiron – Unique 16th century château
* Château d’Ussé – Fairytale Château of sleeping beauty
* Château Villandry – The most beautiful garden in ‘the garden of France’
* Château de Barbe-bleue – Animated theme park
* Chemin de la Rose – one of the most beautiful rose gardens in France (2 mins)
* C.K.M.B – Canoeing
* Futuroscope – Famous family attraction theme park of images, shows and events.
* Holly Park – Childrens theme park
* Lactopôle – Museum on the production of milk
* L’aquarium Tropical
* La Vallée des Singes – ‘African island’ with over 250 different animals
* Les Caves Ackerman Laurance – Wine Caves
* Les Géants du Ciel – Birds of Prey from every corner of the earth show off their skills.
* Musée des Blindés – Tank Museum (only 15 minutes away at Saumur)
* Musee automobile de la Sarthe – Museum of racing cars
* Musee des Commerces Anciens – Museum of Ancient Commerce.
* Océanile – Water theme park
* Omlande – theme park
* Papea-city – Family attraction park
* Park de la Vallée – theme park
* Parc Oriental de Maulévrier
* Puy du Fou – Famous family attraction of shows and displays set within roman stadium’s and châteaux.
* Scénoféerie des Semblancay – Show of fireworks, light and acting
* Sealand, l’aquaurium
* Zoo de Doué – Only 5 minutes down the road, world famous zoo set within tropical surroundings