Camping by the water in Zoo de Beauval

Everything about the campsites by the water in Zoo de Beauval

The ZooParc de Beauval lies in Saint-Aignan, in the Cher valley, and it is this river that shapes the map of campsites around it. The seven sites in our selection are all by the water, on the banks of the Cher, by a lake or a pond, between 5 and 18 km from the zoo as the crow flies. One thing matters before booking: the zoo is usually visited over two days, so the campsite becomes your base camp for three or four nights. Choose according to what you will do in the evenings and on the other days, Loire châteaux, cycling or swimming, rather than on distance alone.

Closest to the zoo, on the banks of the Cher

Le Port, in Mareuil-sur-Cher, is the closest to the zoo in our selection, about 5 km away. This small site of 40 pitches sits in the heart of the village on the banks of the Cher, with pitches separated by flowering hedges, 16 A electricity and free Wi-Fi throughout. There is no pool or restaurant on site, but a bakery, grocery and brasserie are a few steps away, along with a large park with a multi-sports ground and a playground. Open from 1 April to 27 September.

In Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, about 8 km away, the Domaine du Bien Vivre is a farm campsite on a 13-hectare family wine estate producing Touraine and Touraine Chenonceaux wines. You pitch your tent at the edge of the vines and taste the estate’s wines after a day at the zoo: a calm, authentic place, far from the bustle of the zoo.

Between the Cher and the Canal de Berry, for families on bikes

L’Entre Deux, in Châtillon-sur-Cher, lives up to its name (“in between”): the site lies between the Cher and the Canal de Berry, about fifteen minutes from the zoo, on the Cœur de France à vélo cycle route. Pitches are separated by hedges and shaded by willows; rentals include mobile homes, Coco Sweet, Tit’home units, a bivouac tent and a tiny house called the Cabane enchantée. Heated outdoor pool from 15 June to 13 September, two playgrounds (ages 1-6 and 5-14), bread delivered six days a week. Open from 3 April to 20 September.

In Angé, on 4 hectares by the Cher, L’Escale des Châteaux de la Loire is a four-star site devoted entirely to glamping: 31 unusual units, Mongolian yurts, tipis, gypsy caravans, nomad tents, pods and cabins. No pool, but a unique atmosphere that makes the night at the campsite part of the trip, a few minutes from both the zoo and the châteaux.

Indoor pool and a big lake: the four-star sites

Couleurs du Monde, in Faverolles-sur-Cher, is 20 minutes from the zoo and caters for Beauval visitors: ZooParc tickets are sold at reception. This four-star site has a 105 m² heated indoor pool, open from 15 April to 15 September, and a 28 m² paddling pool for 1 to 3-year-olds. Free Wi-Fi across the site, canoeing on the Cher nearby, Home vélo and Tourisme durable labels. Open from 3 April to 19 September in 2027.

A little further, 30 minutes from the zoo, Les Coteaux du Lac, in Chemillé-sur-Indrois, borders a 35-hectare lake. It is the most complete campsite for a long stay: pool heated to 28 °C with a lake view and slides, inflatable games, fishing on the pond and the Indrois, snack bar, grocery and bread, and in July and August a leisure centre with canoeing, paddleboarding and a giant zip line. Lakeside chalets, mobile homes, unusual units and canvas bungalows; open from 28 March to 31 October, Camping Qualité label.

On the edge of the Sologne, by the pond

Le Gué, in Chémery, is a friendly three-star site on the edge of the Sologne forest, by a stream and a fishing pond. Pool with paddling pool, snack bar, small supermarket, launderette and a mini-farm with goats that children love after a day at the zoo. Chambord and the Loire châteaux are easy to reach. Reopening on Easter weekend 2027.

Our booking tips

For a quick visit, Le Port is the closest to the zoo. With children, Couleurs du Monde and Les Coteaux du Lac have the best pools, and L’Entre Deux has two playgrounds by age. To combine the zoo with Loire châteaux, Chenonceau is about half an hour’s drive away, and L’Escale and Couleurs du Monde are well placed. Out of season, Les Coteaux du Lac stays open until 31 October, handy for the autumn half-term. As the zoo opens every day of the year from 9 am, arrive the evening before to be there at opening time.