Forest and dog-friendly campsites in Pays de la Loire
Atlantic beaches and Loire Valley châteaux await in this western France region.
- Pays de la Loire
Popular camping styles for Pays de la Loire
Dog-friendly getaways
4 top forest and dog-friendly campsites in Pays de la Loire
Under £50
Forest and dog-friendly campsites in Pays de la Loire guide
Overview
At the mouth of the Loire River on France’s Atlantic Coast, Pay de la Loire bridges the gap between the North and the South. Don’t go writing this region off as a pitstop, though―there’s plenty to tempt campers to linger in its five departments. How about golden beaches and islands fringed by miles of coastal forests and marshlands, medieval cities capped by hilltop châteaux, or some of the Loire’s most unique vineyards? Or, perhaps you want to attend one of the world’s most famous motorsports events or experience France’s second-most visited theme park after Disneyland? In that case: welcome to Pays de la Loire.
Where to go
Loire-Atlantique
The westernmost city along the Loire River, Nantes is the regional capital and a buzzing epicentre, famous for its medieval castle, lively nightlife, and unforgettable Ile des Machines theme park. Two rivers wind their way through Loire-Atlantique—the Loire and the Erdre—affording plenty of options for boat cruises, water sports, and riverside camping, after which you can head out into the vineyards to taste the region’s Muscadet wines or escape to the beach towns of La Baule or Pornic.
Maine-et-Loire
Just west of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, the Maine-et-Loire cities of Angers and Saumur are lesser-known gems complete with impressively preserved medieval quarters and magnificent castles that afford views along the Sarthe and Loire Rivers, respectively. Once you’ve explored the cities, head out to discover the department’s troglodyte caves, go wine tasting in the Anjou wine region, or enjoy hiking and biking in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional National Park.
Mayenne
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track, the northwestern department of Mayenne lies largely off the tourist trail. Swing by the medieval villages of Sainte-Suzanne and Saint-Denis d’Anjour, venture into the prehistoric caves of Saulges, or visit the old Thevalles watermill before checking into a quiet campground or Hipcamp in the heart of the countryside.
Sarthe
Motorsports fans will surely know Le Mans, the capital of the Sarthe department and host of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Campers will find plenty of scenic spots in the surrounding countryside, whether venturing north into the Perseigne forest or the Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park, or fishing and canoeing along the Sarthe River.
Vendée
More than 85 kilometres of sandy beaches, golden dunes, and sun-soaked shores stretch along the Atlantic Coast of the Vendée. This is the seaside haven of Pays de la Loire, and coastal campers are spoiled for choice. Head to the family-friendly resorts of Saint Jean de Monts or Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie, explore the wild beaches and marshlands of Noirmoutier Island, or hike, cycle, or horseback ride through miles of coastal forests.
