Attractions

The Gien earthenware pottery factory was founded at the beginning of the 19th century in a 16th century convent. It is known for the quality of its earthenware and is part of the prestigious French luxury goods factories. You can tour the still fully functioning factory to learn about the techniques employed in making earthenware pottery and there is also a museum displaying 2 centuries of luxury earthenware history.

Gien’s Castle is a part of the famous ‘Valley of the Kings’and is the starting point for the ‘Route Jacques Coeur’. You can visit the Museum of Hunting, History and Nature in the Val de Loire which has one of Europe’s largest hunting collections.

‘La Loire à Vélo’ is an 800km cycle path along the river. It runs by the campsite and will take you to castles and tourist sites along the river Loire.

This medieval fortress,located on the banks of the river Loire, was transformed in the 16th century and then again in the 19th Century. Visits here are full of fun with a plethora of activities to choose from including: archery, outdoor games, puzzles and ghost tours… The fully furnished castle has four levels to explore.

Near les Bois de Bardelet campsite you can find the Poilly-Lez-Giens pony club ‘l’Etrier Wallon’ where you are welcome to join them for activities with the ponies. During the high season the ponies visit the campsite one afternoon a week for the children to ride the ponies on site.

The ‘Pont Canal de Briare’ (canal bridge) is one of the most surprising french river heritage sites. The canal bridge, built by famous architect Gustave Eiffel, is one of the longest of its kind in the world (663 meters). It suspends the canal over the river Loire. You can visit the bridge in Briare or take a boat ride on the canal bridge traversing 3 locks.

With no less than 250 species and almost 8000 trees and plants covering a 35 hectare site, the arboretum has one of the largest collections in Europe. Here you can admire trees and plants from all over the world.

The Beauval Zoo is one of the 15 most beautiful zoos in the world and the zoo became the centre of attention when a giant panda was born there in 2017. As well as the pandas the zoo has over 4600 animals including koalas, tigers, white lions ; okapi and elephants.

The circus and magic museum (700m2) will show you the real magic of show business. It is a place full of optical illusions and includes a magic mirrors section and a virtual circus. See the old animal cages and try your hand at tightrope walking.

The Château de Guedelon is an extraordinary project and a fascinating place to visit. A group of craftsmen decided to build a castle in a former wooded quarry, exclusively using 13th century techniques. The project began in 1997 and is estimated to take 25 years. In the meantime, you can follow the castle’s construction and the craftsmen’s challenge of using methods which are 8 centuries old. A captivating and educational visit.

Visit the fantasy world of Disneyland and join the pirates of Adventureland®, or the Wild West of Frontierland®. Children can enjoy the parade and the real-life cartoon characters while for adults there is Space Mountain® or Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

The Castle in Sully Sur Loire is a medieval fortress with a moat and a huge dungeon. It was built at the end of the 14th century. The castle was considered to be the eastern door to the Loire Valley and is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Near the castle, at the edge of the Sologne forest, you, you can find a golf course with 27 holes and 3 courses (PAR 72).

The beautiful hunting lodge built by François I, probably the most symbolic and prestigious castle in the Loire valley sits in the heart of unspoilt woodland. The Renaissance style of this beautiful building shows influences of Da Vinci and other Italian artists from the French king’s travels through Italy.

Go for a trip along the river Loire in a traditional flat boat and discover the fauna and flora of the river. Depending on the time of day you can take a picnic with you or ride on a dinner boat at sunset.

The landscape and forests of the Sologne and the Loire valley offers endless possibilities for nature hikes and visits to towns and villages in the area. Various walking paths start from the campsite. Ask at the reception for more information.