| d_section_start --> The Loire Valley region is | | | | The charming medieval towns of Sancerre and Pouilly |
| recognised for the production of some of the most | | | | Fume are themselves wonderful to wander around |
| famous vintages of French wine. And with over | | | | and explore the tiny, winding cobbled lanes. There are |
| 185,000 acres of vines there is an incredible diversity | | | | over 300 wine houses around Sancerre alone and |
| within the range. As far back as the first century, | | | | you can choose from a huge range of tours |
| wines from the Loire were even more revered than | | | | — be warned though, any souvenir wine you |
| those from the famed Bordeaux region. The area is | | | | buy on your French camping holiday might prove too |
| also a place of great natural beauty, with lush rolling | | | | delicious to make it home! |
| hills and quaint villages. For an adventure loving wine | | | | Vouvray and Touraine |
| buff, one of the most rewarding breaks you can | | | | Known as the Middle Loire, the regions of Vouvray |
| have is to go camping in France, as part of a wine | | | | and Touraine are home to a diverse planting of |
| tasting tour of the Loire Valley. | | | | grapes and between them produce a good mixture |
| There are many beautiful churches and monasteries | | | | of reds, whites and rosés. Utilising the famous |
| to visit as well on your tour, but some people come | | | | Chenin Blanc variety of grape, the wines from here |
| to the Loire with the specific aim of sampling the | | | | are known for their delicate fruitiness. For many |
| delicious array of wine on offer — and | | | | years Vouvray and Touraine were part of the |
| there’s nothing wrong with that! The Loire | | | | famous race to produce an early bottling to rival the |
| Valley wine route can take you on a wonderful | | | | Beaujolais Nouveau, although now the competition |
| journey along the river, as you experience the many | | | | seems to have cooled somewhat. These picturesque |
| and varied vineyards which make up the landscape. | | | | towns are a wonderful place to take a French |
| Styles and vintages change markedly on the route, | | | | camping holiday as they are situated in close |
| and the stunning locations for camping in France allow | | | | proximity to many of the most stunning chateaux in |
| you to enjoy your beautiful surrounds to the fullest. | | | | the Loire. |
| To the French, camping holidays are an important | | | | Chinon |
| part of life, and you will find many well situated | | | | Also in the Middle Loire, Chinon can round out your |
| campsites throughout the valley. | | | | wine tasting holiday camping in France. It produces |
| Sancerre and Pouilly Fume | | | | the majority of the region’s red wines, almost |
| The towns of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume sit on | | | | exclusively using the Cabernet Franc grapes. The |
| opposite sides of the Loire River about 10 miles | | | | wines here are reputed as being elegant, fresh and a |
| apart. This region is commonly known as the Upper | | | | little lighter than other reds of the Loire. The |
| Loire and is a major source of wine production, | | | | charming town centre, in the heart of the Loire |
| growing and bottling the vintages of the famous | | | | Valley, is a delight to visit for an afternoon stroll and |
| Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Pouilly Fume | | | | there is also an impressive fortress to visit if you |
| only produces white wines, but Sancerre makes | | | | wish to add a little culture to your wine tour. |
| whites, reds and rosé varieties. | | | | |