CAMPING & HOLIDAY PARKS 2020


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and the building alone is worth a look-see) and architecture and history. If you’re there in April/May, you’re in luck: the annual Fêtes de Jeanne d’Arc sees a procession, medieval market, concerts and a sound and light show at the cathedral. The whole region is promoting itself as a


contemporary art trail, so wherever you go, art lovers won’t be disappointed. One of our favourites is the Fondation du Doute in Blois, where you can enjoy a cheeky peek at Yoko Ono’s wall of naked bottoms! For a breath of fresh air after all that culture, check out


the verdant landscape, which is a cyclist’s paradise as it’s fairly flat and criss-crossed by designated routes, including the 800km Loire à Vélo trail. For a more leisurely experience, hop aboard a river boat and soak up the glorious views along the Loire. Walkers can plan their own routes or take advantage of one of many guided trails, covering everything from troglodyte caves to wicker basket making. The region is also blessed with several national parks. We love La Brenne, known as the land of a thousand lakes and home to more than 260 species of birds. Of course, no region of France is without its foodie delights and you certainly won’t go hungry – or thirsty – in Centre-Val de Loire. A number of world-famous grand vins will keep oenophiles happy, the best-known being Vouvray,


The swoon-worthy Château de Chambord is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in France


www.grandetortue.com Family campsite


Restaurant & shop Surrounded by castles


Chinon, Bourgueil and Sancerre, while beer lovers will find a healthy collection of independent breweries. And if you have a liking for liqueur, check out poire d’Olivet, served chilled after dining on regional specialities such as asparagus, lamb’s lettuce, apples, strawberries and mushrooms. Local goats' cheeses are a must for fromage-fanciers. Indulge in nutty Crottin de Chavignol, salty Sainte-Maure de Touraine and lemony Valençay. Popular local dishes include andouillettes marinated and cooked in Vouvray wine, rillettes de Tour and truffiat, a puff pastry pie of potatoes, eggs and herbs. Does your sweet tooth need sating? You’ve come to the right place: the world-famous upside-down apple cake tarte Tatin was born at the Hôtel Tatin in Lamotte- Beuvron when cook Stéphanie Tatin accidentally burned her apples and saved them by popping a nifty pastry lid on top. Sweet! From top nosh to stunning scenery, Centre-Val de Loire is awash with temptations. What are you waiting for? ■


41120 Candé-sur-Beuvron +33 (0)2 54 44 15 20 camping@grandetortue.com


FURTHER INFORMATION Centre-Val de Loire Tourism • www.valdeloire-france.com


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