The Loire Valley by motorhome: châteaux, a zoo and time for swimming

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This trip is planned for 12 Aug – 23 Aug 2027.

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Day 1 · Thu 12/08 2:12 hr

Travelling to France: first stage into Alsace

Arrival day with a short drive

Short first stage under 3 hours.

Free afternoon for a first stroll or to relax at the site.

Start

Stuttgart

This is where your trip begins. From Stuttgart, you'll head west into Alsace, so the long stretch to the Loire Valley is spread over several relaxed days.

156 km · 2:10 hr
Campsite

Camping de Strasbourg

A campsite close to town on the edge of Strasbourg, well suited as a first stopover. From here you can head into the centre in the afternoon by tram and on foot, without needing to take the motorhome into the narrow old town. Ideal for arriving and stretching your legs.

28–40 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 2 · Fri 13/08 7:30 hr

Onwards towards the Loire: a stopover at Troyes

Stage day with a short break in town

Two shorter driving blocks with a lunch break in between.

Slightly more driving than usual today, but several static days follow.

Long stage — build in breaks.

411 km · 4:13 hr
1
Town

Troyes old town

Troyes has a lovely half-timbered old town with colourful lanes, ideal for a lunch break. For children, wandering through the narrow rows of houses feels like a little adventure. It's best to park in a flat car park on the edge of town, then walk in.

2 hr child-friendly
Website
260 km · 3:15 hr
Campsite

Camping de Nevers

A peaceful campsite by the Loire, a good stopover on the way to the heart of the Loire Valley. There are nice walks along the river, and the children can let off steam after the drive. From here it's only a short stage the next day.

22–34 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 3 · Sat 14/08 1:48 hr

Arriving in the Loire Valley: a base near Chambord

Short drive and settling in

Short drive, afternoon to arrive and enjoy the pool.

A base for three nights, no daily moving on.

172 km · 1:50 hr
Campsite

Camping Les Châteaux Bracieux

A generous, very family-friendly campsite just a few kilometres from Chambord, with a pool and plenty of room to play. An ideal base for the next few nights, from which to explore Chambord and the surrounding area. A lovely cycle path leads straight from Bracieux to the château.

30–45 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 4 · Sun 15/08 24 min

Chambord: the largest château on the Loire

Château and cycling

Just one main sight, plenty of time in the sprawling park.

A cycling trip or boat ride in the afternoon, followed by the pool.

9 km · 15 min
2
Sight

Château de Chambord

The most imposing of all the Loire châteaux, with its famous double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. For children, the roof terrace with its many turrets and the vast park with wild animals are a real experience. On site there are binoculars and family tours, and you can hire bikes or rowing boats.

4 hr 0–16 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

Day 5 · Mon 16/08 2 hr

ZooParc de Beauval: a whole day with the animals

Zoo

A full but very rewarding day, with quiet days before and after.

Pack plenty to drink and sun protection — it gets warm in summer.

41 km · 1 hr
3
Activity

ZooParc de Beauval

One of the finest and most species-rich zoos in Europe, known for its giant pandas and huge tropical halls. For the children there are bird and predator shows, a rhino and elephant enclosure and plenty to marvel at. Plan for the whole day — the zoo is large and involves a lot of walking.

7 hr 27–39 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 6 · Tue 17/08 1:06 hr

Moving on to Amboise: château and Leonardo's garden

Short drive and a château in town

Morning to arrive and set up, château in the afternoon.

Two nights in Amboise, no rush.

47 km · 55 min
4
Sight

Château d'Amboise

A royal château high above the Loire with a magnificent view over the town and the river. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the small chapel, and the terraced gardens are lovely for lingering. Easy to combine with a visit to nearby Clos Lucé.

2 hr 0–16 € / person child-friendly
Website
1 km · 12 min
Campsite

Camping Municipal de l'Île d'Or Amboise

A campsite right on the Loire island opposite the château, within walking distance of the old town. A perfect spot for exploring Amboise without a car, letting the children play on the riverbank. Peaceful yet central.

20–30 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 7 · Wed 18/08 42 min

Clos Lucé: Leonardo's inventions, hands-on

Inventor and garden

Just a morning's programme, afternoon free by the river or for a swim.

Short distances, all on foot — the motorhome stays put.

1 km · 20 min
5
Sight

Château du Clos Lucé

Leonardo da Vinci's last home, now a lively museum with hands-on models of his inventions. In the large park stand life-size machines to try out, which children especially enjoy. An ideal, not-too-large spot for half a day.

3 hr 13–20 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

Day 8 · Thu 19/08 42 min

Chenonceau: the château over the river

Château over the Cher

One château in the morning, then time for the river and relaxation.

Very short drives today.

15 km · 20 min
6
Sight

Château de Chenonceau

The famous ‘ladies' château’, which elegantly spans the river Cher with its gallery on several arches. The elaborate gardens, the flower workshop and the boat hire make the visit varied for children too. One of the most visited châteaux in France — quieter in the mornings.

3:30 hr 0–16 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

Day 9 · Fri 20/08 1:18 hr

Moving on to Azay-le-Rideau: a moated château and Villandry

Gardens and moated châteaux

Moving on in the morning, just one garden in the afternoon.

Two nights in Azay-le-Rideau.

46 km · 1 hr
7
Sight

Château de Villandry

Famous for its elaborate Renaissance gardens with geometric ornamental, vegetable and water gardens. From the terrace you get a wonderful view over the green patterns, and children can lose themselves in the hedge maze. The garden is the star here — the château itself can also be enjoyed from the outside.

2:30 hr 0–13 € / person child-friendly
Website

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

12 km · 18 min
Campsite

Camping du Sabot Azay-le-Rideau

A peaceful campsite on the river Indre, within walking distance of the village and the château of Azay-le-Rideau. A good base for the châteaux in the west of the Loire Valley and for cycling trips along the Indre. Shaded pitches and a relaxed setting.

18–28 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 10 · Sat 21/08 1:18 hr

Azay-le-Rideau and the fairy-tale garden at Rivau

Moated château and fairy tales

A compact château on foot in the morning, the playful fairy-tale garden in the afternoon.

Short drives, plenty for the children.

· 10 min
8
Sight

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

A dainty Renaissance moated château that reflects picturesquely in the river Indre. The shady landscaped park around it invites a leisurely stroll and stays pleasant even in summer heat. Compact and easily manageable in a morning.

2 hr 0–12 € / person child-friendly
Website
26 km · 35 min
9
Sight

Château du Rivau

An enchanted château with an award-winning fairy-tale garden full of giant flowers, hidden sculptures and nods to well-known fairy tales. For children, the garden is like a huge adventure playground, with Gulliver's boots and giant watering cans. A lovely contrast to the more serious royal châteaux.

2:30 hr 8–13 € / person child-friendly
Website
Day 11 · Sun 22/08 5:18 hr

Troglodyte villages and the start of the journey home

Cave villages and a long stage

Cave villages as a final highlight, then the journey home begins.

The afternoon is a longer driving stage — build in a break.

Long stage — build in breaks.

76 km · 1:10 hr
10
Sight

Village Troglodytique de Rochemenier

An old farming village dug entirely into the soft limestone rock, with cave dwellings, stables and an underground chapel. Children are amazed at how people used to live and work here underground. An unusual, cool spot that's especially worthwhile on a hot day.

2 hr 4–8 € / person child-friendly
Website
332 km · 4:09 hr
Campsite

Camping Onlycamp de Nevers

Once again a tried-and-tested stopover on the Loire, on the way back east. After the longer driving stage, the children can stretch their legs by the river once more. A peaceful place to spend the night before continuing home.

22–34 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 12 · Mon 23/08 8 hr

Return to Stuttgart

Journey home

Journey home in two driving blocks with a lunch break.

Total driving time around four hours, easily manageable with a break.

Long stage — build in breaks.

482 km · 6:02 hr
11
Food

Strasbourg rest stop

A short lunch and leg-stretch break on the way back, ideal for refuelling and catching your breath. From here it's only a good hour to Stuttgart. A final stop before the trip comes to an end.

45 min child-friendly
Website
135 km · 2 hr
Start

Stuttgart

This is where your round trip ends. After twelve days in the Loire Valley with châteaux, a zoo and plenty of time by the water, you're back home.

This trip is planned for 12 Aug – 23 Aug 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.