The history of Parc de Fierbois campsite
A campsite born from a family estate
The story of Parc de Fierbois began in 1968, on the grounds of a former agricultural and forest property located in Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois. Originally, it was not conceived as a commercial venture, but as a family initiative: opening a private estate to those seeking space, tranquillity and fresh country air.
Naturally wooded and centred around a 7-hectare artificial lake, the site already possessed what still defines its uniqueness today: scale. Unlike the densely developed campsites of the 1970s, the choice here was to preserve openness and generous proportions. The pitches – the smallest measuring 150 m² – are set within 40 hectares of developed parkland, itself part of a protected 100-hectare natural estate.
Guillaume de Lussac, managing director and heir to this family adventure, proudly maintains this identity: a campsite born from a private estate, designed as a place to breathe, rather than a simple tourism facility.
One of the first 5-star campsites in Touraine
In 2011, Parc de Fierbois reached an important milestone when it was awarded its five-star classification. At the time, it became the only 5-star campsite in the Indre-et-Loire département and the second largest establishment in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
This distinction is no coincidence. The 5-star rating requires strict criteria: a high number of sanitary facilities, full Wi-Fi coverage, extensive leisure amenities, quality of welcome and the presence of a bathing area. In this respect, Fierbois meets every requirement: an outdoor water park, a heated indoor swimming pool and a natural swimming lake.
The water park, with its 700 m³ capacity and toddler pool (no deeper than 30 cm), perfectly illustrates this carefully managed move upmarket: comfort without compromising the spirit of nature.
Today, the campsite offers around 410 pitches, divided between traditional camping and caravanning (130 bare pitches) and a wide range of rental accommodation: mobile homes, chalets, renovated farm cottages and even treehouse cabins.
A loyal European clientele
Over the decades, Parc de Fierbois has attracted a strong international following. The breakdown is telling: roughly one third British and Irish guests, one third Dutch visitors, and one third French holidaymakers. The remaining 10% come from Belgium, Germany and Spain.
This diversity is far from incidental. Touraine enjoys a strategic location, easily accessible from Northern Europe without an excessively long journey. Visitors come not simply in transit, but to stay and explore.
European guests particularly appreciate Fierbois’ winning combination: generous space, high-end facilities and immersion in a culturally rich region.
In the heart of the Loire Valley, land of kings
It would be impossible to discuss the history of the campsite without mentioning its surroundings. Parc de Fierbois lies within 50 kilometres of some of France’s most iconic monuments: Château de Chenonceau, Château d’Amboise, Château de Villandry, as well as Langeais, Loches and Ussé.
The village itself carries historical significance. According to tradition, Joan of Arc came to pray in the chapel of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois before meeting the Dauphin in Chinon, where she is said to have recovered her sword.
This proximity to the history of the kings of France adds another dimension to a stay here: mornings spent in the adventure park can easily be followed by afternoons exploring Renaissance gardens.
A domain designed as a “town within a town”
With its 400 pitches, restaurants, grocery shop, bar and weekly market featuring local producers (wine, honey, cheeses, cured meats) and artisans (ceramics, basket weaving), Parc de Fierbois operates almost like a small seasonal village.
Yet unlike a standardised resort complex, the model remains personal and distinctive. The campsite is part of the Les Castels network, bringing together 25 independent 4- and 5-star campsites across France. The aim is not uniformity, but the celebration of natural and historical heritage, led by committed independent owners.
At Parc de Fierbois, this philosophy translates into tangible details: personal guidance to your pitch, thoughtful landscape integration of accommodation, promotion of local produce and the development of experiences designed to encourage genuine disconnection.
Nature, space and freedom
What strikes visitors upon arrival is the entrance drive. Long and tree-lined, it immediately sets the tone: you are entering an estate, not simply a campsite.
Most accommodation is located in areas where vehicle access is restricted, enhancing both tranquillity and safety. Children move freely, often spending the entire day outdoors: kids’ clubs, pony rides, fishing on the lake, and a treetop adventure course featuring three large zip lines crossing the water.
The adventure park allows guests to explore the forest canopy in complete safety, yet with an immersive feel. For those seeking a gentler pace, paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake offer a calmer alternative.
Luxury here is not ostentatious; it lies in space, in the relative silence of a forest estate, and in the freedom to choose between activity and retreat.
A story still being written
More than 50 years after its creation, Parc de Fierbois continues to evolve without losing sight of its foundations. The renewal of its five-star rating for a further five years, following ministerial audit, confirms the strength of its model.
Beyond classifications, however, the true story of the campsite lies in its consistency: a family estate that has become a regional benchmark, without ever losing sight of its original vocation — hospitality.
At a time when open-air hospitality can sometimes drift towards standardisation, Parc de Fierbois stands for a different approach: a vast, open estate that demands quality while remaining deeply rooted in its territory.
FAQ – Parc de Fierbois campsite
Where is Parc de Fierbois located?
The campsite is situated in Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, in the Indre-et-Loire département, just a few kilometres from Tours and the famous Loire Valley châteaux.
Why is Parc de Fierbois rated 5 stars?
It meets the official 5-star criteria, including extensive facilities (water park, heated indoor pool, natural swimming lake), numerous sanitary blocks, full Wi-Fi coverage, catering services and high standards of guest welcome.
How many pitches does the campsite offer?
Parc de Fierbois provides around 410 pitches, including 130 traditional camping and caravanning pitches, as well as mobile homes, cottages and treehouse cabins.
What activities are available on site?
Water park, lake swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, treetop adventure course with zip lines, children’s club, pony rides and a weekly market featuring local producers.
Is the campsite suitable for families?
Yes. Parc de Fierbois is particularly popular with families thanks to its secure open spaces, child-friendly pools and wide range of outdoor activities.
