Visiting the gardens of the Loire Valley as a family 

In the Loire Valley, gardens are more than just backdrops: they’re adventure playgrounds where young and old can explore, learn and have fun. Labyrinths, Renaissances kitchen gardens, flower parks and secret paths arouse curiosity and invite discovery. Each garden has its own atmosphere, blending history, nature and creativity, with fun experiences, sensory trails and shows. 

Enchanted gardens for little botanists

Gardens of châteaux de villandry

At Villandry, the gardens are a life-size playground for all the family! Lose yourself in the labyrinth, observe the geometric designs of the Jardin d’Amour, listen to the water sing in the Jardin d’Eau and marvel at the Renaissance kitchen garden, where vegetables and flowers make up an immense colorful checkerboard. Here, you can explore, learn and have fun along the fragrant paths. And for a touch of magic, don’t miss the “Nuits des Mille Feux”, on 1 August, when 2,000 candles light up this magical setting. A visit that will delight both the adventurous and the curious! 

Gardens of Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Perched high above the Loire, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a playground for the imagination. Its château is surrounded by gardens where each season brings its own surprises. Every year, the International Garden Festival conjures up surprising creations for the whole family to explore playful paths, plant huts, flower tunnels… Your children will love running from garden to garden, hiding in the alleys and discovering installations that will tickle their curiosity. In summer, the Nocturnes transform the park into a magical illuminated world, and in autumn, pumpkins and golden foliage create an enchanting setting.   

Parc Floral de la Source

The Parc Floral de La Source is the perfect place for a family outing, where young and old alike can be enchanted by the diversity of the gardens. With its 35 hectares of greenery, children will have the opportunity to enjoy themselves while discovering nature in all its glory. There’s something for everyone, from miniature train rides and croquet games to picnics on the grass and visits to the vegetable gardens and orchards. Younger visitors will particularly enjoy the exotic butterfly hothouse, a real enchantment where they can watch these creatures twirl around them. And of course, it’s impossible not to make a diversion to the farm to meet the animals: donkeys, goats and even a Vietnamese pig named Teddy. A place that’s as much fun as it is educational, where everyone can explore at their own pace. 

Gardens of Château de Cheverny

The elegant gardens of Château de Cheverny offer a real change of scenery for the whole family. The laurel labyrinth is a classic but fun way for children to run through its twists and turns while discovering new paths. In spring, the tulip garden, with its 500,000 bulbs, awakens the senses of all, offering a colorful and enchanting spectacle. A blend of nature and creativity, the vegetable garden, with its vegetables and flowers in perfect harmony, appeals to all ages. And for a moment of peace and quiet, why not hop aboard an electric boat for a trip on the canal and observe the park’s wildlife in complete tranquility ? An ideal place to combine relaxation and exploration with the whole family. 

Gardens of Château de La Bussière

The park and garden at Château de La Bussière are a must-see for all the family! Here, the adventure begins as soon as you enter: the vast 60-hectare park invites you to explore and relax, while the walled, tidy kitchen garden reveals a surprising gourmet side. Children can feast on red fruit in summer, picking blackcurrants, redcurrants or raspberries, and take part in fun activities such as the Garden game or the Parcours des cabanes, which will immerse them in the history of the château. If your children are more adventurous, the hiking trail or the boat trip will give them another way to discover this magical place. 

apremont floral park

The Apremont Floral Park, in the heart of one of France’s most beautiful villages, is the perfect getaway for families. Created by Gilles de Brissac, this garden takes visitors on a journey through different atmospheres, with inspirations from all over the world. Children can have fun exploring the many nooks and crannies of the park, from the waterfall and ponds to the Chinese pagoda bridge and the Turkish pavilion. They’ll be able to take a trip around the world! In spring, the wisteria perfumes the air and invites you to relax under their fragrant canopy. For younger visitors, the park also offers an immersive trail, ‘Le Grand Départ’, which plunges visitors into the atmosphere of the early 20th century, with colorful characters and lively settings. It’s the perfect place to stroll, marvel and enjoy with the whole family, in a setting that’s both poetic and fun. 

Gardens for Princes and Princesses

gardens of Château du Rivau 

At Le Rivau, the gardens are a veritable adventure playground, where young and old alike can plunge into the world of fairy tales. Children can explore Alice’s maze, follow in Little Thumb’s footsteps or transform themselves into knights and princesses in the castle’s costumes. Meanwhile, parents can wander among the 450 varieties of fragrant roses, discover surprising sculptures and admire Gargantua’s vegetable garden. Here, nature reigns supreme, cultivated with passion for a world as enchanting as it is responsible. It’s a visit that promises a sense of wonder and a return to childhood! 

Gardens of Château de Valençay

In the heart of a 53-hectare park, the Domaine de Valençay invite young and old alike to take a break between gardens, forest and animal encounters. Children can explore the gardens using the playbooks, guess the species hidden in the Scent Game and marvel at the little farm animals. In the forest, a 4km walk reveals curiosities such as the bat cave and the old ice houses. For a touch of adventure, you can even explore the estate in an electric golf buggy! A place where nature and heritage can be discovered by all the family. 

Gardens of Château de Chambord

The gardens of Château de Chambord offer an unforgettable experience for all the family. Start in the formal garden, where children can enjoy discovering the geometric flowerbeds, and delve into history by following the ‘Cassandre the Salamander’ riddle book. This interactive tour allows the youngest visitors to discover the castle’s secrets while having fun. Afterwards, let yourself be tempted by a stroll through the English garden, a place where nature reclaims its rights. Children will also appreciate the fun activities on offer: boat trips, bike rides or a Rosalie to explore the estate in an original way.  

And for an Added touch, why not take advantage of the family shows, such as the one featuring horses and birds of prey, which plunges visitors into the atmosphere of the court of François 1st? A real journey back in time, to be enjoyed together!