Christmas at the châteaux: dive into a festive wonderland

Decorating the tree, opening the Advent calendar with the kids, looking for the perfect present… Each year, everyone’s happy to see the magic of Christmas return! This December in the Loire Valley, enjoy enchanting moments with a schedule of marvellous events in the châteaux. . It’s the perfect way to make precious memories with your family!

Christmas in Châteaux-Land in Touraine 

Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Langeais, Loches, Villandry… In December, celebrate the magic of Christmas at seven of the Loire Valley’s greatest châteaux, with an incredible programme of tours and events (workshops, themed family tours, storytime, and more). Each château has chosen a special theme to make you and your children’s eyes shine with wonder!  

Royal Château of Amboise: “Noël, rêves d’enfance : au royaume des jouets” 

Dive into the magic of “Noël, rêves d’enfance : au royaume des jouets” at the Royal Château of Amboise, where several royal children grew up, including Francis I. In halls and rooms decorated in Christmas colours, toys from yesteryear mingle with contemporary treasures, beloved by young and old. The whole family will be enraptured by a Melodica, Corolle dolls and a Playmobil castle, and older generations will be transported back to their childhood memories.  The famous figures of the château also seem to be having fun this Christmas: Louis XI takes on Spiderman, Leonardo da Vinci plays with building blocks and Louis-Philippe takes the controls of an electric train. Don’t miss out on this enchanted getaway, the perfect way to feel like a child again.

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Château of Azay-le-Rideau: “Délices de Noël”

At the Château of Azay-le-Rideau, indulge in gourmet delights with “Délices de Noël”. This year, gingerbread is in the spotlight, the undisputed star of the holiday season! A single sniff of its delicious scent, or one of the many sweet variations will plunge you into a world where gourmet dreams come true. Explore the rooms and discover delicately decorated biscuits, enchanted houses and giant characters, bringing a touch of magic to the château. The magnificently laid tables, illuminated pine trees and exquisite plant arrangements will amaze young and old alike. A delicious way to celebrate the festive season, for an enchanting and gourmet Christmas! 

Château of Chenonceau: “Chenonceau, un Noël de Porcelaine”

Upon her arrival at the Château of Chenonceau, Catherine de’ Medici had an elegant two-storey gallery built on the bridge over the river, as a nod to the Ponte Vecchio in her native Florence. And near the château, her aviaries can be found in an Italian garden. For this “Noël de Porcelaine”, fall in love with brightly coloured birds landing gently on your holiday table. Maison Bernardaud, a porcelain factory founded in 1863, has joined forces with the château’s flower workshop, run by Jean-François Boucher, awarded Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France). Together, they celebrate Christmas: magical floral creations pair perfectly with the porcelain collections, embodying the magic of Christmas and the French art of living. 

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Royal Fortress of Chinon: “Mythes et légendes de Noël : Noël des reines”  

Discover the exhibition titled “Mythes et légendes de Noël : Noël des reines” at the Royal Fortress of Chinon – a celebration of women! Géraldine Leclerc and Véronique Chauvet, floral designer and artist/prop designer, have created an enchanting tour in tribute to two iconic queens: Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose 900th birthday was celebrated this year, and Marie of Anjou. In the royal residence, delicate floral arrangements bring the festive spirit. Admire a Christmas banquet from Eleanor’s time period and discover the importance of birds and religious music in the life of Marie of Anjou. The “Debout les Reines!” exhibition also focuses on modern women who have reinvented themselves.  

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J.C. Coutand – ADT Touraine

Late openings:

Come and visit the châteaux in the evening. As night falls, enjoy a breathtaking, illuminated atmosphere, where the magic of Christmas is revealed in an enchanting new way! 

Château of Langeais: “Un écrin de lumières” 

For Christmas, “Un écrin de lumières” awaits you at the Château of Langeais. Behind high fortified walls lies an intimate residence, warmly decorated and furnished. Stroll through the rooms, lit by a myriad of candles, lanterns and fairy lights. Enjoy the atmosphere, lively, bold and refined all at once, perfectly matched by the scenography designed by Christopher Lacassagne (Compagnie Quart de Soupir). At Christmas, every corner of the château is an invitation to dream. A magical, sparkling experience to share with the whole family!

Royal City of Loches: “Les contes de la Cité royale – Hansel et Gretel” 

Discover an enchanting fairytale world at the Royal City of Loches! This winter, dive into the Grimm brothers’ famous story of “Hansel et Gretel”, brought to life in the royal residence. Imagine wandering through a magical forest, exploring the house made of sweets and discovering the witch’s treasure… Let yourself be carried away by captivating storytime sessions, where you and your children will become the actors in fascinating tales, creating unforgettable memories. With your family or a special someone, experience the magic of Christmas at Loches and fall in love with the wonder of the festive season!

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Château and Gardens of Villandry: “A Noël, la nature s’invite au château”  

In December, “la nature s’invite au château”. Nature awakens in the middle of winter and slowly creeps in to the rooms of the Château of Villandry. The pine trees sparkle, flames dance in the fireplace and in the dining room, the table is ready to welcome guests… Reindeer, fawns, owls and squirrels also make their home in the rooms of the château. Christmas trees adorned with delicate decorations, plant creations created especially for the festive season and an incredible enchanted forest will immerse you in holiday magic. And from the windows of the château, don’t miss the sight of the gardens decked out in their winter finery.    

“Féeries de Noël” at the Château of Le Clos Lucé  

There are also other châteaux celebrating Christmas in Touraine, such as the Château du Clos Lucé with “Féeries de Noël”. Decorations by scenographer Marjolaine Bougrier Vaucelles enhance Leonardo da Vinci’s residence, while the Italian genius comes to life in the guise of actor Pierrette Dupoyet. Families can extend their visit with creative workshops before taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.  

A Christmas extravaganza in Loir-et-Cher

“Noël MAGIE-STRAL” at the Royal Château of Blois 

The Royal Château of Blois, home to seven kings and ten queens of France, invites you to experience “Noël MAGIE-STRAL”! Four sites, including the courtyard and the Estates General Room, have been transformed into a magical, colourful world designed by Eness, a famous Australian art and technology studio. Imagine a multi–coloured forest, illuminated mountains with LED eyes lighting up as you pass, a maze of fireflies, and more… These ultra-colourful inflatable installations create a dreamy world and lead you to the “Modern Guru”, an imaginary character who invites you to think about happiness.  
And while you’re visiting this Christmas, why not take a tour of “Les Murmures Nocturnes”? When the château closes for the day, your costumed guide will lead you by torchlight to the royal apartments and unusual places usually closed to the public. 

Christmas at the Château of Chambord 

In December, the Château of Chambord, jewel of the Renaissance and residence of Francis I, is lit up like a real-life fairytale château! When you arrive, an avenue of illuminated pine trees instantly immerses you in the magic of the festive season, with “Noël au château de Chambord”. It’s impossible not to be captivated by the floral decorations, fairy lights and illuminations that highlight the château’s architecture. The iconic double helix staircase and sumptuous apartments are the setting for magical decors. During this special time of year, there is also a wide range of activities, including creative workshops, Christmas shows, medieval and Renaissance dances, walks in period dress and more…   

 

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Christmas at the Château of Cheverny 

For the festive season, the Château of Cheverny, which was inhabited by the same family for generations, is transformed into a magical setting. “Noël au château de Cheverny” will enchant you, with rooms adorned with flickering lights, majestic pine trees and festive decorations. Special mention must go to the forest of sweets in the Trophy Room, the enchanted carriage and the facade lit up in Christmas colours as soon as night falls! As for the gardens, they’ll be sparkling with huge light installations. Feel like a treat? An avenue of giant gingerbread men and colourful tea cups will lead you to L’Orangerie, where you can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate, the château’s speciality.  

Christmas at the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire: “Rêves d’Antan”  

Imagine yourself in the Belle Époque, when the Prince and Princess of Broglie, the last private owners of the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, organised sumptuous receptions that all of high society dreamed of attending.  “Rêves d’antan” transports you into the enchanting atmosphere of an aristocratic residence at Christmas… Take a behind-the-scenes look at the festive preparations in the château and its stables.  The living room is adorned with magnificently decorated trees and from the kitchen to the dining room, everything is being prepared for a lavish dinner… You’ll fall in love with the warm atmosphere and refinement of Christmas festivities from yesteryear.  

The magic of Christmas in the Loiret 

Château of La Bussière: “Noël en Fleurs” 

Discover the enchanting world of “Noël en Fleurs” at Château of La Bussière! This family château is transformed into the perfect setting for festive magic. You’ll fall under the spell of its enchanting floral decor, enhanced by a thousand lights. Santa’s merry elves are impatiently waiting for you with a host of festive activities: twinkling lights, fun workshops for kids and even a mini Christmas treasure hunt. Not to mention, the long-awaited meeting with Santa himself and all the surprises he has in store. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for young and old, with fun and wonder at every turn!  

Christmas at the Château of La Ferté Saint-Aubin 

Why not enjoy “Noël dans le Château du Père Noël”? In December, the Château de La Ferté Saint-Aubin is transformed to welcome young and old in a magical atmosphere. Your mission? Save Santa Claus! Dive into an immersive theatrical adventure, where energetic elves cause havoc in the lead-up to Christmas. With family or friends, explore the château, stables and toy kingdom to find everything that Santa loves. Gather clues by touching, observing, tasting and singing, and you might even find the real magic of Christmas. Are you ready to rise to the challenge and meet Santa? 

Christmas at the Château of Meung-sur-Loire  

Discover “La magie de Noël” at the Château of Meung-sur-Loire! In December, the château is decked out in enchanting decorations and twinkling lights. Fall under the spell of the cosy holiday atmosphere as you stroll through the decorated rooms. And children can meet Walter, the most adorable and chatty robot! At the Wreath Factory, they can create their own royal crowns before setting off in search of Santa Claus, who is hiding somewhere in the château. After the tour, let the kids loose in the bouncy castle, then stop off at Mrs Claus’ Tavern for mulled wine, spiced apple juice and popcorn!

Christmas magic, just a stone’s throw from the Loire Valley

Château of Maintenon:  “Hiver aux Merveilles : Princes et Princesses” 

Experience the wonder of “Noël aux Merveilles” at Château de Maintenon! This year, the château is lit up to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the purchase of the estate by Françoise d’Aubigné, secret wife to Louis XIV. The immersive “Princes et Princesses” tour invites you to rediscover six wonderful fairytales at your own pace. Stroll through the château, where bewitched princes, sleeping princesses and fantastic creatures come to life in breathtaking settings. The lighting, sound and video effects add a magical touch! And there are two late openings on the programme, so you can stay a little longer, immersed in the enchanted fairytale world. A magical experience for the whole family! 

Christmas at the Château of Valençay 

For the festive season, the Château of Valencay, also known as the Prince’s Palace, will transport you to “Le monde magique d’Harry Potter”. With 53 giant LEGO® scenes and characters, find the famous wizard in the Prince of Talleyrand’s majestic home, decked out in Christmas colours! Get out your magic wand, say “Alohomora!” and in a flash, rooms that are usually closed to the public open up, as if by magic. When night falls, the château lights up and welcomes you until 8pm, so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Horse-drawn carriage rides and gift hunts are also on the programme, to add an extra dash of magic to the festive season! 

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