Our campsites in the Loire, Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region

THE LOIRE, the ideal destination for your camping vacation

In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, explore a land of a thousand villages, including Ambierle, le Crozet, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice, Champdieu and Marols. And don’t miss the main towns of Saint-Étienne, Roanne, Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, Feurs, Bourg-Argental and Firminy.

Demographically, the Loire has a population of 769,029. Monotony has no place in the Loire. Plateaus quickly give way to vast plains and narrow valleys, before giving way to the mountains that dominate and surround the territory. The department is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes: extensive moorlands, the rugged ridges of the Pilat, the Forez plain with its ponds and unique wildlife, and the panoramic views of the Hautes Chaumes.

Limitrophes of the Ardèche, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme and Rhône departments. Take the opportunity to visit the jewels in the crown of these departments: the beautiful city of Lyon, the peaceful corners of the Haute-Loire or the many rivers of the Ardèche.

THE RICHNESS OF THE LOIRE

Are you a history buff? You’ll be delighted by the Loire’s rich heritage, from majestic châteaux to centuries-old churches. The Ambierle priory church, an essential stop-off point on the Via Sancti Martini, which crosses Europe from East to West, the Benedictine abbey of Charlieu, the Cathedral of Saint-Charles Borromée in Saint Étienne, the Château de l’Aubépin, Château de Rochetaillée, set in a charming little village nestled in the mountains at the gateway to Pilat, Château de la Roche Saint-Priest-la-Roche and Château de la Bâtie d’Urfé.

Enrich your culture by visiting exceptional monuments, such as Le Corbusier’s architectural tour in Firminy or the Cité du Design in Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne is the only city in France to have been awarded the “UNESCO Creative City of Design” label. Explore local museums, immerse yourself in Saint-Etienne’s mining history at the Musée de la Mine, or discover artistic treasures at the Musée d’Art et d’Industries or the Musée d’Art Moderne.

Before you leave, don’t miss out on the must-sees: visit the legendary Geoffroy Guichard stadium, with its “Greens” store. OL fans beware!

Discover the secrets behind the manufacture of Obut boules, the petanque ball as we know it today, which originated in Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, in the Loire region at the gateway to the Auvergne.

What to see in LA LOIRE during your Cottage Parks camping vacation

Immerse yourself in history as you explore the Loire’s emblematic villages, where every stone tells an age-old story.

Discover the majestic 13th-century Carthusian monastery of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of the green hills. Climb to the top of the donjon du Crozet for a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside and the Roanne coast.

Let yourself be seduced by the serenity of Ambierle Benedictine Abbey, where religious architecture blends harmoniously with the tranquility of the surroundings.

Explore the Renaissance manor houses of Saint-Haon-le-Châtel, elegant witnesses to a bygone era.

The little Rhune train takes you up to the roof of the Basque Country. The climb can also be made on foot for the more athletic. You’ll come across pottoks (typical Basque horses) and some beautiful houses, each bearing a name that relates to the history of the place or the family.

And to come to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques without sampling all the local culinary specialities would be sacrilege! Espelette chillies, cheeses from the Pyrenean valleys, Basque cakes, Itxassou black cherries, poule au pot, Irouleguy wine and Jurançon for those with a sweet tooth. Not to mention typical Basque cider or Spanish tapas. In short, this exceptional terroir is just waiting for you…

And let’s not forget rugby! The sporting atmosphere is everywhere, it’s almost a religion. Watch out for the derby between Bayonne, Aviron Bayonnais and Biarritz Olympique.

As you can see, the department is rich and varied for those who want to discover the area. There’s more to the Atlantic Pyrenees than Bayonne or Pau. There are plenty of campsites to choose from, and they’ve diversified considerably to meet the needs of holidaymakers. Cottageparks can help you sort through the options to find the ecofriendly campsite of your dreams in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

The Loire offers a remarkable geographical wealth, characterized by a striking diversity of landscapes, such as :

• Les Monts du Forez et de la Madeleine:
  Highly wooded, these mountainous mountains form an interface between Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne.
• Les Hautes Chaumes:
  An integral part of the Monts du Forez, the Hautes Chaumes overlook the Loire.
• Les Gorges de la Loire
  These are divided into two sections: one upstream of the Plaine du Forez and the other upstream of the Plaine de Roanne.
• The Plaine du Forez:
  The collapsed plain of the Loire, the heart of the département, is set against a mountainous backdrop.
• Monts du Lyonnais and Beaujolais:
  Extreme western limit of the Massif Central on the Saône and Rhône valleys, with contrasting slopes
• The Roannais region:
  After the mountainous narrowing known as the “Neulise threshold”, the Loire valley widens and opens up to the influences of the Bourbonnais and Charolais regions.
• The Ondaine, Furan and Gier valleys:
  These valleys form a conurbation that bears witness to the department’s industrial history. These valleys represent a communication route between the Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes regions.
• Le Massif du Pilat:
  A belt of more or less mamelonned plateaux, clinging to the central wooded massifs and federated by the Parc Naturel Régional, Pilat opens onto the Lyonnais to the north, the Rhône Valley to the east and the Vivarais to the south.
• The Rhône Valley:
  Even though it’s only a small part of the Rhône Valley, it is highly emblematic, linking the Loire to the Rhône-Alpes region.
  

For adventure lovers, the Loire is a veritable paradise, offering a multitude of activities.

• The Via Ferrata de Planfoy offers an unforgettable experience, with its suspension bridges and zip line. Just ten minutes south of Saint-Étienne, it offers two routes suitable for all levels.
• If you prefer hiking, don’t panic, there’s something for you too! The Pilat Regional Nature Park will be your paradise, with the Crêts du Pilat trail, the many GR trails, the Volan trail at Malleval, the Saut du Gier trail, the Crêt de Chaussître trail and the vineyard trail at Ampuis.
  
  For a shorter hike, choose the Gouffre d’Enfer, where you can admire two magnificent waterfalls and an impressive dam.
  
  Discover the Gorges de la Loire, a natural wonder to explore during your getaway. Offering breathtaking panoramas of the Loire and its steep gorges, this iconic destination invites you to experience moments of tranquility and wonder. Take to the footpaths through the spectacular scenery of the Gorges and Lac de Grangent, with tours to suit all levels. The meandering river blends harmoniously with picturesque chapels and medieval castles perched on the cliffs.
  
  – For an even more unusual experience, treat yourself to a discovery cruise aboard the electric boat “Le Grangent” in the Gorges de la Loire, departing from the port of Saint-Victor-sur-Loire.
• For cycling enthusiasts, the Via Fluvia is an ideal choice. This route links the Loire to the Rhône, following an old railroad line that has been refurbished for bicycles. Between the volcanic landscapes of the Velay and the charms of the Ardèche, this cycle path offers a variety of atmospheres to discover.
  
  For an authentic experience in the heart of the Loire, opt for the route from Saint-Sauveur-En-Rue to Bourg-Argental. Along the way, be sure to visit the Maison du Châtelet in Bourg-Argental and take a tour of Julien’s candy factory. This route forms the green heart of the Via Fluvia, crossing the south-western slopes of the Pilat Regional Nature Park and offering mysterious and original escapades.
  
  You can also try out other cycle routes such as the Véloire or the traversée cyclo du Pilat.
• For an even more immersive experience, consider theEcopôle du Forez! Explore a natural sanctuary and immerse yourself in the wildlife of the banks of the Loire, while respecting its fragile ecosystem. During the high season, whether you’re on your own or accompanied by a naturalist guide, come and discover this exceptional biodiversity site in the region. Observation equipment is available for an enriching experience. Activities are also available for children, with observatories nestled in the heart of the forest for optimal observation of the local fauna.

There’s something for everyone in this unspoilt natural setting.

Discover the Loire’s not-to-be-missed cultural events, where music, dance, theater and performance art combine to offer unforgettable experiences. From contemporary music to hip-hop and electro influences, Celtic rhythms and open-air shows, each festival offers a unique immersion in a varied and captivating artistic universe.

• Festival des 7 collines: a contemporary music festival held in Saint-Étienne. It offers a varied program of contemporary music concerts, dance, theater and performance art.
• Foreztival: a not-to-be-missed summer festival in the Loire region, 100% associative and independent, Foreztival draws its influences primarily from hip-hop and trip-hop, but also from dub, electro and reggae.
• Festival Paroles et Musique: A compendium of energy, rock, pop, chanson française and electro just waiting for you!
• Roche Celtiques Festival, featuring 22 concerts of Celtic music. Free of charge, the festival takes place in the open air at 3 major sites in the agglomeration: in Saint-Charles Cathedral, on the outskirts of the Rochetaillée ramparts and on the Condamines site in Saint-Victor, offering a musical panorama of the Loire Gorges.
• Festival de la Rue des Artistes organized by the Atout Monde association, whose mission is to set up cultural events for all publics, held in Saint-Chamond.

Book your eco-friendly campsite in LA LOIRE with cottageparks

Book your eco-friendly campsite in the Loire with Cottage Parks.

Whether you’re looking for a family vacation, a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, the Loire will win your heart and fulfill your every expectation. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its heritage and the warmth of its welcome.