Great Days Out in the Loire
Aquarium de Touraine
The Aquarium de Touraine is the biggest aquarium in the region, and a day trip here is one of the most popular things to do in the Loire. Test your nerve in the shark tunnel, encounter Caymans and discover the multitude of species and different watercourses of the whole world. There are over 10,000 continental and tropical fish for you to marvel at. There is also a touch pool, educational game workshops and a 3D cinema.
Espace
Espace in Nançay is also known as the 'ciel ouvert à Nançay'. This interactive site makes astronomy available to everyone and opens its doors to the universe. Learn about the history of astronomy, from the first instruments of observation through to the latest space probes, from the nearest stars to the far off galaxies. In the planetarium you will set off on a true journey of discovery! This is an interesting way to spend a rainy day if you are camping in the Loire Valley.
www.cite-espace.comZoo Parc de Beauval
This zoo was created for the well-being and respect of animals. Discover some 40 cats including white tigers and golden-eyed white lions living in one of the most beautifully landscaped parks in the country. Over 160 monkeys live and breed in areas and islands especially designed to recreate their natural environment. You will also find the largest tropical birdhouse in France and three tropical greenhouses which are home to exotic birds, chimpanzees, crocodiles and Manatees, all surrounded by the natural scenery of the equatorial forest. There are also eagle and sea lion shows put on daily. This Loire Valley attraction is especially popular with families.
www.zoobeauval.com Le Clos Lucé
Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life painting at le Clos Lucé. Here you will find a large collection of Leonardo's paintings and models which have been digitally reconstructed by IBM. In this fine country house you will also find the homely atmosphere of a dwelling which has been lived in and has period furniture in all of its rooms. Visit Leonardo's bedroom, his kitchen with the monumental fireplace and also the fine Rennaissance rooms in brick and stone.
Labyrinthus
Get lost in the biggest maze in France! There are 6 mazes in total (including a wooden maze, a water maze and a children's maze) in a selected theme. Thirty dancers, actors and musicians hide behind the hedges or down dead-end paths to entertain you into the legends, music and traditions of the Indian and Amazonian folk. You will also find a typical forest village, craftsmen workshops, an exhibition of Indian culture and a panoramic tower where you can clearly see the spectacular design of the mazes. One of the most unusual and interesting things to do in the Loire.
www.labyrinthus.comParc mini-Château
If you want to see every château in the Loire Valley but you haven't got time or the children are less than enthusiastic, then why not see them all in miniature! In this unique park you will find all of the most beautiful Loire Valley castles side by side flawlessly reproduced. This is a great way to see all the châteaux, followed by a visit to Planète Aquarium and the Parc le Fou de l'Ane (donkey sanctuary) two more Loire Valley attractions in the same park.
Les Grottes Pétrifiantes de Savonnières
These underground caves have been highly recommended by previous Canvas customers. Inside the grottos you will discover a universe of shadows, of light, of water and of stone. There are stalactites, stalagmites, waterfalls, a lake, a Gallo-Roman cemetery and also statues of prehistoric creatures which seem frozen in time. The caves also have several natural sculptures made from limestone. This magical place is well worth a visit while camping in the Loire.
Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is one of the most beautiful attractions in the Loire Valley. Larger than the palace of Versailles, it is said to have taken the equivalent of 1,800 men working constantly for 12 years to build it. It was built on the orders of King François I as a hunting lodge and has magnificent views over the forest of Boulogne. There is a regular Son et Lumière show and also a horse show in the château grounds. You can hire bikes or horses to take you around the château grounds in style!
Musée Animé du vin et de la Tonnellerie
If you are interested in wine, a visit here is one of the essential things to do in the Loire. The museum, opened in 1979, is all the work of one local man. It took him five years to collect all the tools exhibited and 2500 hours to make the automations. In the rooms you will see various implements in use at the end of the 19th century for the making of wine: casks, a winepress, an open cask, a grape picker etc. Some of the tools are brought to life again by the fourteen automations. In the vaulted cellar dating back to the fifteenth century, you will be shown a row of barrels and tools mainly used in olden times. Adults will then be given free samples of Chinon wine to taste.
Parc du Futuroscope
This amazing theme park is unique. It focuses mainly on cinematic shows and tricks. There are over 30 different 3D shows ranging from the 'T-rex Show', the 'Superstition Show', the 'Race for Atlantis' and the 'Ocean Oasis'. The park is practical, educational and, above all, fun – a great place for families to visit when camping in the Loire Valley.
www.futuroscope.fr