Discover France by Motorhome

Normandy

★★★★★ History, coastline and powerful memorial visits

Our Honest Opinion

• ⭐ Worth the visit? Absolutely.
• ⭐ Would we return? Yes, for longer.
• ⭐ Family friendly? Very good.
• ⭐ Motorhome friendly? 9/10.

Top Things To See

Campsite Review

★★★★★ Camping le Château de Martragny — Overall rating 9.4/10. Peaceful setting, good access for motorhomes, and ideal for exploring Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Arromanches, Utah Beach Museum, Overlord Museum, and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

Nearby Attractions

• Omaha Beach
• Normandy American Cemetery
• Overlord Museum
• Museum of the Battle of Normandy
• Utah Beach Museum
• Pointe du Hoc
• Bayeux
• Arromanches

Loire Valley West

★★★★★ Châteaux, river towns and vineyard drives

Top Things To See

• Château de Saumur
• Château du Brézé
• Château de Brissac
• Montsoreau
• Royal Fortress of Chinon

Campsite Review: Camping Huttopia Saumur is a strong all-round base with easy access, good facilities, and a location that suits both sightseeing and relaxed evenings.

Saint-Émilion

★★★★★ Wine country, lakeside camping and slower touring days

Base yourself at a lakeside campsite and enjoy a gentler rhythm built around vineyard drives, village walks, and château visits including Château de La Rochefoucauld, Château Saint-Georges, and the Castle of the Dukes of Duras.

Our Honest Opinion: This is one of the best stops for couples, slower pacing, and anyone who enjoys balancing sightseeing with downtime.

Lake Annecy

★★★★★ Alpine lake views, historic streets and relaxed touring

Where We Stayed: Camping Le Belvédère

Camping Le Belvédère: Perched high on a hill overlooking the glittering lake, this campsite is a bit of a climb on foot, but its unbeatable location makes getting into the main town super easy. With fantastic facilities and spacious, well-kept pitches, it was the absolute perfect basecamp for our alpine getaway.

Our Enchanted Journey Around Lake Annecy

Welcome to the highlight reel of our time in the “Venice of the Alps”! Here is a look back at the incredible sights, charming streets, and scenic lookouts we explored around Lake Annecy.

Town Charm & Historic Landmarks

• Le Pâquier: A sprawling, lush green esplanade right on the lakefront, perfect for lazy strolls while watching the Alps frame the water.
• Canal du Vassé: A picturesque, tree-lined canal crossed by romantic bridges, often called the “Little Venice” of Annecy.
• Jardins de l’Europe: A beautifully manicured lakeside park filled with majestic hundred-year-old trees and winding pathways.
• Église Notre-Dame de Liesse: A charming 19th-century church in the Old Town, blending neoclassical style with a rich local history.
• Fontaine de la Place Notre-Dame: A historic 16th-century stone fountain sitting proudly in the lively square of the Old Town.
• Porte Notre-Dame: One of the historic fortified gates that once guarded the medieval entryways into old Annecy.
• Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: A striking 16th-century Renaissance cathedral featuring a grand pipe organ and historic art pieces.
• Quai de l’Île: A bustling historic quay lined with colorful pastel buildings, bustling outdoor cafes, and water views.
• Palais de l’Île: The iconic, 12th-century stone courthouse shaped like a ship’s prow, sitting right in the middle of the canal.
• Musée-Château d’Annecy: Perched high above the town, this medieval castle-turned-museum offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views.
• Le Zozo: A quirky, local landmark spot that adds a fun, offbeat touch to exploring the town streets.

Lake Adventures & Scenic Views

• Water Taxi & Annecy Lounge Boat: A luxurious and relaxing way to zip across the crystal-clear alpine waters and see the shoreline from a new angle.
• Panorama du Lac: A breathtaking vantage point offering postcard-worthy vistas of the deep blue lake backed by rugged mountains.
• Plage des Marquisats: A lovely, relaxed grassy public beach area ideal for a refreshing lakeside rest.
• Plage de l’Impérial: A popular, upscale lakeside beach resort area with crystal-clear swimming spots and lounging zones.
• Parc Charles Bosson: A peaceful, shaded park along the eastern shore featuring walking paths and classic alpine architecture.

Heights, Hidden Gems & Nearby Castles

• Basilique de la Visitation: A majestic mountaintop basilica overlooking the city, known for its striking neo-Romanesque architecture and sweeping views.
• Le Mouflon d’Annecy: A cozy, authentic local spot that captured the warm, welcoming spirit of regional hospitality.
• Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne: A tranquil wildlife park tucked into the wooded slopes of Mont Semnoz, great for spotting local fauna.
• Église Sainte-Bernadette d’Annecy: A unique, modern architectural gem tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood.
• Grotte de Notre-Dame: A serene, spiritual woodland grotto offering a quiet space for reflection.
• Château de Duingt: A fairy-tale castle dramatically situated on a narrow peninsula jutting right into the middle of the lake.
• Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard & Chateau Menthon: A magnificent, thousand-year-old cliffside fortress that looks straight out of a storybook, boasting incredible lake panoramas.