Historical Holidays

Northern France

Chateau Pierrefonds

The magical land far far away… Château de Pierrefonds Paris

Towering wonderfully from the leafy Compiègne Forest, Château de Pierrefonds is a fairy-tale castle with a fascinating past. The Château was built in the 15th century, then destroyed by Louis XIII in the 17th century, before being magnificently rebuilt by Napoleon III in the 19th century. Château de Pierrefonds is a masterpiece in its own right, and within easy reach of Paris.

Nearest holiday parc: La Croix du Vieux Pont >

Carnac stones

Stand amazed in Brittany

In the heart of Brittany stand the Carnac Stones, a vast set of megalithic sites made up of more than 3,000 prehistoric standing stones, some thought to be more than 6,000 years old. Roughly carved from local stone and erected by the Bretons from around 4,500 BC, their purpose is unknown, but their power to arouse wonder is legendary.

Nearest holiday parc: La Grande Metarie >

Southern France

Nimes amphitheatre

Take centre stage in Nimes

Follow in the footsteps of the gladiators in one of the most perfectly preserved Roman amphitheatres on earth. Stand where the gladiatorial combat and even lion hunts took place for entertainment. An amazing day out with a perfect window into history, where you can soak up the incredible atmosphere and even watch events today (but not quite as gruesome)

Nearest holiday parc: Domaine de Massereau >

Lascaux caves

Step back in time in the Dordogne

Transport yourself thorough history to the Dordogne’s magnificent caves and grottos, which include some of the finest prehistoric cave paintings on earth. While Lascaux is the most famous site, you will also be captivated by the stalactites, stalagmites and prehistoric drawings of the Grotte Des Merveilles at Rocamadour, and the Grotte De Rouffignac, also known as the Cave of a Hundred Mammoths.

Nearest holiday parc: Le Paradis

Chateau d'Azay

Live in a fairy tale for the day… Chateau D’Azay-Le-Rideau, Loire

Live in a fairy tale for the day at one of the earliest Renaissance chateaux, Azay. With stunning turrets and spires, the Chateau displays the transition from Gothic to the Renaissance style.

Nearest holiday parcs: LR015 Le Parc de Fierbois > and LR013 Domaine de la Brèche >.

Spend a quaint day in Troo, Loire-Et-Cher, France

Carved into the white cliff above the Loire river, the pretty picturesque village of Troo has provided safe lodging for centuries. Its oldest dwellings date from the 12th century and are still in demand as second homes by stylish Parisians.

Parcs nearby: LR015 Le Parc de Fierbois >

Lourdes, France

Watch the candles flicker in front of the statue of the Lady of Lourdes at one of the greatest pilgrimage sights of the world. Visit the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to a young peasant girl, Bernadette, above the town of Lourdes in 1858. A ‘must’ is the unforgettable procession to the Basilica of the Rosary which takes place nightly.

Nearest holiday parc: Camping Pyrenees (Luz St Sauveur) >

Italy

Pompeii

Explore incredible Pompeii

Buried by a volcanic eruption from Vesuvius in 79AD, Pompeii was lost to the world for more than 1600 years. Yet it was never fully destroyed, and the excavated and beautifully preserved site offers a fascinating look at how a Roman town would have looked 2000 years ago. It’s one city you really do have to experience.

Nearest holiday parc: Baia Domizia >

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica, Rome, Italy

One of the best preserved Roman towns in Italy the Ostia Antica is an impressive sight. Wander through flats, mansions, shopping arcades, and baths that served a once-thriving port of 60,000 people. (Pssst. Hang on until dusk when the sun glances off the sea and bathes the ancient buildings in a glorious warm glow, for the perfect holiday snaps)

Parcs nearby: Camping Village Fabulous (Rome) >

St Mark's campanile

St Mark's Campanile, Venice

Look down over the best views of Venice from the elegant bell tower of St Mark’s Basillica. Housing 5 bells the tower is a treasured icon with its red brick tower, arched belfry, pyramid spire and golden angel Gabriel with outstretched wings.

Nearest holiday parc: Garden Paradiso (Cavallino) > Camping Marina di Venezia (Punta Sabbioni) >

San Gimignano

San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

Described as a Medieval Manhattan visit this Tuscan gem surrounded by lush greenery and see where sky scrapers were born. In the 13th century San Gimignano became a powerful community where families competed with one another to build ever taller tower houses.

(Psst. visiting in June the Feria delle Messi festival brings knights, acrobats and medieval musicians to town)

Parcs nearby: Valle Gaia (Cecina) >