In the surroundings

A life-size animal world: an immersive day at the Zoo de Beauval

If there’s one outing that the whole family agrees on and can’t wait to go on, it’s the Beauval ZooParc. Located just 3 km from the campsite, it is regularly ranked among the most beautiful zoos in the world. That’s saying something!

Let’s be honest: here, two stars make all the difference! The famous giant pandas are the park’s main attraction. And with the birth of little Yuan Meng, followed by his twin sisters, it’s a real spectacle unfolding before your admiring eyes.

But Beauval also offers incredible diversity: with more than 35,000 animals and 800 species, the zoo is a veritable modern-day Noah’s Ark. You can see lions, giraffes, elephants and gorillas, as well as rarer species such as okapis and manatees. Travel around the world: from the tropical dome to the giant aviaries and the lion rock, plan to spend the whole day here.

In terms of entertainment, there are two must-see attractions that punctuate the visit: the sea lion show and the grand bird show. Imagine hundreds of birds of prey and parrots soaring into the sky above your heads at the same time: thrills guaranteed!

The park is huge but cleverly designed: a cable car takes you from one end to the other (in both directions) and allows you to admire the animals from above without making a sound! Get your camera out…

A quick tour of the village of Saint-Aignan: from the medieval town to the charming banks of the Cher River

A stone’s throw from the campsite and close to Seigy, Saint-Aignan stands proudly on its hilltop. And frankly, this medieval village has it all: history, character, winding streets (a little too steep at times, but it’s good exercise), and a gentle way of life.

Strolling through its cobbled streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time… but without the itchy woollen costumes. Discover half-timbered houses, sculpted façades, ancient doors and a whole host of treasures.

Its jewel? The majestic, tranquil Château de Saint-Aignan, which proudly dominates the Cher Valley. If you love breathtaking views, you’ve come to the right place. The château combines medieval and Renaissance architecture: a truly stylish blend that will appeal to lovers of French history.

The heart of the village is just as charming, with its Romanesque collegiate church, historic district and small flower-filled squares where you can stop to enjoy a local dish or a refreshing drink on the terrace. When it comes to shopping, Saint-Aignan has everything you need: craft shops, adorable little stalls, restaurants where you can eat well (sometimes too well), and markets where you can find local products that are not to be missed.

Let's dicover the Château de Chambord: an unmissable heritage site in the Loire Valley

It is impossible to stay in the region without making a little detour to the Château de Chambord, this majestic giant that seems to have been designed one day when François I woke up and said: ‘We are going to do something big, very big…’.

As soon as you arrive, the château will take your breath away: with its 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and countless turrets, Chambord will not leave you indifferent. The star attraction? The double spiral staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci himself. Two people can go up and down at the same time without crossing paths… A masterpiece of ingenuity that will make you go round in circles with a smile on your face.

Inside the château, you can discover the king’s architectural madness, his passion for hunting, the grandiose décor and a few temporary exhibitions to admire.

Outside, the national estate of Chambord covers an area of several thousand hectares. With French gardens, deep forests, hiking trails, canals and wildlife observation areas, a visit here is a real adventure. You may encounter deer, wild boar, birds and more.

And if you enjoy shows, don’t miss the equestrian and falconry demonstrations offered during the season. Young and old alike will love it!

Cycling trips in the Cher Valley: pedal, breathe, admire!

The Cher Valley, around Seigy and Saint-Aignan, is a real playground for cycling enthusiasts. Here, you can pedal at a leisurely pace, breathe in the fresh air and even stop every five minutes to take a photo… or just to admire the scenery! Between quiet paths along the Cher, small country roads lined with vineyards, woods and meadows: there is something for all levels. Families will appreciate the flat and safe routes, perfect for cycling with children in complete peace of mind. We have made a small selection of possible routes for you:

For a relaxing ride along the Cher river right next to the campsite, venture out on the Seigy loop (10km / 1 to 1½ hours). Perfect for warming up or for a family outing. This loop follows the Cher river, passes through fields and offers beautiful views of the village of Seigy. For a slightly longer ride, head to Saint-Aignan and its vineyards (15km – 1½ to 2 hours), where you can explore the hills around Saint-Aignan and admire the vineyards of the Loire Valley. There are a few gentle climbs, but nothing insurmountable! Ideal for combining exercise with scenery that is well worth the detour.

And finally, for the more athletic among you, the castle valley loop is well worth seeing by bike! (25km – 2½ to 3 hours). It is aimed at our explorer tourists and takes you from Seigy to the Château de Saint-Aignan, then on to other local treasures. We know you’ll be stopping regularly to take photos, and that’s to your credit (the monuments are very photogenic).

Detour to Valençay and Cheverny: double the castles for maximum wonder!

If you think all castles look alike, think again! Valençay and Cheverny, both located a few kilometres from Seigy and Saint-Aignan, promise unique experiences, each with its own personality, and offer a real dive into history.

For your first stop, the Château de Valençay will charm you with its elegant architecture, which subtly blends Renaissance and French classicism. But behind these impeccable façades lie incredible stories: each room has its own anecdote.

Strolling through its lavishly decorated salons, you can almost hear the hushed footsteps of courtiers… The vast and immaculately maintained grounds invite you to take a stroll: fountains, tree-lined paths, French gardens… a real break in the fresh air.

For the second visit, the Château de Cheverny is the king of classic style and perfect symmetry, with tastefully decorated interiors and an impressive collection of furniture. But what really sets it apart is its touch of fantasy: the house inspired Hergé for Tintin and the famous Château de Moulinsart! So, comic book lovers take note…

And don’t miss the impressive pack of hunting dogs that give this estate (almost) all its charm!

Get your walking shoes ready…

A stroll along the water's edge, surrounded by nature, villages and castles...

If you love water, serenity and aquatic adventures, kayaking on the Cher is for you! Just a few minutes from Camping Les Cochards and Saint-Aignan, the Cher is perfect for a relaxing outing or a little adventure with your partner, family or friends, with just the right amount of excitement.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert paddler, the river offers routes to suit everyone. The calm sections allow you to glide peacefully along, admire nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. The setting is idyllic: green banks, small islands with birds flitting about: the spectacle is yours to enjoy.

Several routes are possible from Saint-Aignan or the banks near the campsite, including the discovery loop (about 1 hour): ideal for families or those who just want to explore without getting too wet (we understand). The nature and castles trip (2 hours) combines kayaking with views of the neighbouring castles, including Saint-Aignan. Finally, you can try the sporting adventure (3 hours): for motivated kayakers who want to explore more of the Cher and enjoy the wildest parts of the river.

Immersion at Chenonceau Castle: an unmissable jewel of the Renaissance and the Loire Valley

It is impossible to talk about the châteaux of the Loire Valley without mentioning the Château de Chenonceau, famous both for its elegance and its fascinating history! Its arches spanning the Cher River with a style that would make any modern bridge pale in comparison will not leave you indifferent. Nicknamed the ‘château des dames’ (ladies’ castle), Chenonceau was shaped by influential women who left their mark on its history over the centuries.

As soon as you arrive, the spectacle is breathtaking: dazzling white façades, perfectly manicured gardens and the reflection of the château in the river. The interior is also worth a visit: ornate salons, refined tapestries, period furniture and charming rooms that make you feel like you’ve been invited to the royal court…

One of Chenonceau’s highlights is, of course, its gardens. The gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici each offer a unique atmosphere: colourful flowers, mathematically calculated paths and little surprises around every corner. It’s the perfect place to breathe in the fresh air and take some great photos!

The château also stretches across the Cher river thanks to its famous gallery bridge, an architectural feat where you can walk above the water and enjoy breathtaking views of the river and the estate. Not bad, is it?

Chaumont-sur-Loire: art, gardens and a stylish château…

The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (half an hour’s drive from the campsite) is a kingdom where nature, contemporary art and an impressive château come together. Perched on a promontory, the château offers superb views of the Loire, while its gardens are transformed each year into a fascinating creative playground. If you like to be surprised, amazed or simply have stars in your eyes, Chaumont is for you.

The château itself combines medieval charm with Renaissance elegance. With its towers, pointed roofs and chic fortress appearance, it has everything to appeal to history buffs and those who just love beautiful buildings. Inside, carefully decorated rooms and period tapestries immerse you directly in the atmosphere.

But what makes the estate famous is above all its International Garden Festival, which every year transforms the park into a huge space for fabulous ideas. Here you will find gardens that are poetic, surprising, futuristic, totally offbeat or simply to be admired. Each plot is a living work of art where plants, flowers, materials and imagination come together to help you disconnect and daydream. Enjoy all these gardens and fill your afternoon with walks and beautiful, colourful memories! An ideal outing for the whole family.

Berry porcelain: a delicate art form that is nothing short of dazzling!

If you love delicate, elegant objects that are so shiny you almost hesitate to touch them, then Berry porcelain will definitely catch your eye. A true artisanal treasure of the region, this fine, luminous porcelain is crafted using expertise passed down through generations. It’s beautiful, but fragile!

Berry has a long tradition of ceramists and porcelain makers, who work with the material with breathtaking precision. Moulding, firing, decorating, glazing… each step is a meticulously choreographed dance.

Stop off at the small artisan shops if you’re planning to bring back a local souvenir for your loved ones!Some shops even offer introductory workshops where you can try your hand at decorating your own piece. It’s a chance to give free rein to your creativity…