Velocamping de Chabrolles-Beffes

The Chabrolles cycle campsite is run by the commune of Beffes, in the Cher, on the Route de Chabrolles (18320). The village lies about a kilometre and a half from the Loire and grew up in the 19th century around the Loire lateral canal, which the site runs alongside. The campsite is rated 2 stars in the grand confort category, holds the Home Vélo label and the Tourisme et Handicap label for several types of disability.

It occupies the former industrial lime production site, now converted into a place to stay with green roofs, a boating stopover and a diving centre in the flooded quarry. There are pitches for tents, bungalows for one to six people, including a 39 m² single-storey bungalow adapted for people with reduced mobility, and a lounge area where cyclists, boaters and divers meet. The shops in the village centre are about 400 metres away, reached by the cycle path.

On opening, the commune states that the accommodation welcomes guests all year round. A separate price list is published for the period from 1 October to 31 March, with a caravan or motorhome pitch at €8 plus €8 per person per night, and the neighbouring boating stopover is also open all year. No annual closure is announced. The cycle campsite reception can be reached on 02 48 76 57 32, Monday to Friday during the day, except Wednesday.

The formula is aimed first at Loire à Vélo cycle tourists, but also at families, divers and walkers looking for a quiet stopover.

Diving in the flooded quarry in every season, cycling on the Loire à Vélo and the canal, Beffes Christmas market in November.

The facilities are designed for cycling travellers. The campsite offers a washing machine and a drying area, a sheltered picnic corner and a secure bike garage. A lounge area serves as a shared living room, and additional services, bike hire and repair, supermarkets, station and taxis, are listed in the surrounding area. A taxi shuttle can also link the cycle campsite to a party venue, for weddings in particular, with no commitment on the part of the campsite.

The bungalows sleep one to six people, with sheets provided, a kitchen equipped with plates, cutlery, saucepans and frying pans for six people, and a terrace. Several versions exist: garden level, with a mezzanine on the landscaped embankment, or a 39 m² single-storey bungalow for people with reduced mobility. Published rates range from €60 a night to €250 a week, and €750 for four weeks, with a cleaning fee of €30. Pets are accepted for a supplement. The price for tent pitches is €8 per person per night, free for children under 4.

The neighbouring boating stopover, open all year and free, has pontoons, toilets, showers and a paid water and electricity point. There is no pool or restaurant at the campsite, but the village has a restaurant, a bakery, a bar-tobacconist and a small supermarket.

The Loire à Vélo, a route of the EuroVelo 6, passes through Beffes, and an easy 14 km loop follows the canal between Beffes, Saint-Léger-le-Petit and Argenvières. Fishing is possible on the canal, notably night carp fishing. Around the campsite, the Parc de l’Essent offers a picnic area, a play area, sports pitches, a pétanque ground and a fitness trail.

The regional diving centre uses the flooded quarry and can be enjoyed in every season, either with a club or individually for members of the Aqua Beffes Club. The Chabrolles lime heritage site can be discovered through the remains of two factories, the quarry, the batteries of kilns, the slaking halls and the park of the former workshops, and guided tours are mentioned.

In the village, you can see the church of Sainte-Catherine and its stained glass, the medieval motte of Boisfort, the 17th-century château and its farm, and several wash houses. The commune organises a painting fair in May, the fête des coucous in August, Heritage Days in September and a Christmas market in November. The towns of La Charité-sur-Loire and Nevers, along the canal, round out the outings.