Camping de Montlouis-sur-Loire

We really enjoyed our stay. The site was clean, spacious, and relaxing, just right for a few nights while exploring the area. The hosts were friendly and welcoming, and there’s a nice walk along the river into Montluis sur Loire.

We arrived at about 20.30 yesterday without a reservation, and there were plenty of empty pitches. Reception had closed at 19.00, though, and nobody was available to help, even by phone. My girlfriend was seven months pregnant, and we weren’t sure what to do, so we parked our camper van in the lot out front and made some food. We ate at an empty table by reception, inside the camping area, while trying to work out our next step. The owners seemed to be at home and came over in a very defensive way. We admitted we were technically trespassing and apologized. We explained that we were desperate and asked whether we could spend the night in the front parking lot. They said that was okay. We got set up there. At 22.30, just as we were turning out the lights to sleep, a woman started banging aggressively on the camper van and told us to leave. I pulled on some clothes and asked if we could talk, but there was no conversation. Apparently, water from the sink had been left running and leaked out of the van. It wasn’t deliberate. She treated us like bullying teenagers. I was 35, apologizing and asking for a reasonable discussion. I tried to explain that we’d been given permission and that my pregnant girlfriend was already in bed. She stayed verbally aggressive, said it wasn’t her problem, and threatened to call the police. I really don’t understand why a campsite owner would be so unwelcoming to guests. There seemed to be plenty of room to book a night, and even if someone arrives after 19.00, there’s no need to treat them like intruders. Really, there was no need for this.

There’s a Leclerc about a 10-minute ride away, with a road and cycle track leading there. At reception, which also works as a little shop, you can get drinks and basic supplies. A food truck visits some evenings, and you can order bread and pastries for delivery the next day. My only suggestion is to have croissants ready at 8am instead of 9am. It’s a nice campsite on the Loire a Velo, with a big, shady tent field and a few picnic tables. The Saintaires stayed clean, and loo roll is provided.

The motorhome pitches are clearly marked out with hedges, and there’s a large area for tents and group camping. It seemed popular with cyclists. When we visited, there was plenty of space. The wash blocks are unisex, and the shower cubicles have a basic interior too, so you can do all your washing at once. There was visiting music and a supper vendor.