In the surroundings
1 rue du stade
37190 Azay-le-Rideau
Starting from Le Sabot campsite in Azay-le-Rideau, located in the heart of Touraine and the Loire Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a thousand and one adventures await you. Between heritage sites, Loire Valley châteaux, renowned vineyards, and mystical caves, get your camera ready and let’s go! Located on the Indre & Loire à Vélo cycling routes, the region is perfect for cycling: travel light and at your own pace!
Loire & Indre Cycling Loops
Ideally located, our cycling friends will love it! At the intersection of the Indre and Loire à Vélo loops, visit the Touraine region at your own pace while staying close to nature. Its relatively flat terrain offers a route that is accessible to all ages. The facilities along the route are also designed to accommodate cyclists! A small paper guide to the loops available in the area is available at the campsite reception.
Azay-le-Rideau, a historic village full of surprises...
In the heart of the Loire Valley, this small, typical, historic village has everything you need for a welcoming stay. Just a few steps from the campsite, its semi-pedestrianized town center has all the amenities you need: shops, boutiques, bakeries, and more. Numerous restaurants with varied menus will introduce you to the local cuisine, a culinary experience not to be missed! In summer, head to the Azay-le-Rideau open-air café to relax with friends or family on the banks of the Indre River. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent.
Paddleboarding excursions
The Indre, a small river that flows into the Loire and crosses the campground, is calm and easy to navigate. During the season, we offer paddleboard rentals from the campground (thanks to our partner Paule & Mike) so you can admire this wild environment from the river. You can paddle all the way to the foot of the castle, a view you wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy! It’s an ideal outing for groups. You can also try the “castle aperitif” option on a giant paddleboard, with a breathtaking view of the illuminated castle.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle
Just a few meters from the campground, discover the iconic Château d’Azay-le-Rideau with its Renaissance style. Take a stroll through the Château Park, with its unique reflecting pools. Built on an island in the middle of the Indre River during the reign of François I, this architectural marvel is open to visitors year-round. In summer, sound and light shows are offered for more unusual visits.
Islette Castle
This charming 16th-century castle is also built on an island in the middle of the Indre River, offering a truly bucolic setting. This outing is ideal for families: you can picnic in the grounds. In summer, enjoy group aperitif picnics on Friday evenings by the river. Evening events are also organized, allowing you to enjoy the castle a little longer and in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Maurice Dufresne Museum
For those who are curious and love all things vintage, an impressive collection of antique objects and vehicles is stored at the Maurice Dufresne Museum. Located near Azay-le-Rideau at the Moulin de Marnay on the banks of the Indre River, take a trip back in time—perfect for young and old alike! Discounted rates are available at the campground reception desk.
Troglodytic Valley of Les Goupillères
These ancient cave dwellings have been preserved so that you can experience life as it was in the past. Carved out of tuffeau stone, typical of the region, they were home to farmers from the Middle Ages until the last century. Today, enjoy an outing and discover how the stones used to build our castles were extracted. Discounted rates available at the campsite reception.
A wine-producing region
You can’t visit Azay without stopping off at a wine estate. With landscapes dotted with vineyards, you’ll be spoiled for choice… Among the local producers, Château de l’Aulée offers guided tours with wine tastings (a 5-minute drive from the campsite). Crémant, white, rosé, or red, the renowned wines of Chinon and Azay will take you on a journey of discovery. Enjoy tastings from the campsite in high season and meet the producers!
Langeais Castle
10 km from the campsite, discover the Château de Langeais: a Renaissance gem with medieval influences. In the heart of the Loire Valley, this former royal estate invites you to visit its many rooms filled with medieval furniture and explore its recreational park. In summer, enjoy bird of prey shows and numerous activities. Something to delight young and old alike!
Villandry Gardens & Castle
Get away from it all and visit Villandry Castle and its French gardens, just 7.5 miles from the campsite. Between the Renaissance and the 20th century, the gardens evolved along with the castle. Whatever the season, there’s plenty to feast your eyes on… Remember to buy your tickets at a preferential rate at the campsite reception! Why not stop off at Camping La Confluence in Savonnières? Accessible from the Loire à Vélo cycle route and located 2 km from Villandry, this campsite welcomes you from April to October with accommodation or pitches.
And after that,
where shall we go?
Did you love your stopover in Touraine, home to the Loire Valley castles (and good wine), but didn’t have time to see everything? Don’t worry! We suggest continuing your journey in the Touraine region and setting up camp at La Confluence campground in Savonnières (20 minutes away by car), on the banks of the Cher River. This small campsite located along the Loire à Vélo cycle route is the ideal base for camping enthusiasts who like to pitch their tents. For those who prefer a good mattress, discover our family or duo accommodations that combine ready-to-camp and nature, just a few kilometers from the famous Château de Villandry. So, ready to hit the road again? Let’s go!
