Accueil Springtime Family Escapade in the Loire Valley A festive family experience under the stars of the Loire Valley!
After a day of sightseeing and family fun, here is a little look at what’s going on in the evenings in spring and summer in the Loire Valley! Magical light shows, relaxing evenings at a traditional guinguette… So many great opportunities for parents and children to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Festive downtime at the Loire Valley guinguettes
E.Vandenbroucque – CRT Centre Val de Loire
Near Orléans, the typical Loire Valley guinguette La Corne des Pâtures, seems to blend into the natural surroundings. When the sun goes down, grab a table and make yourselves comfortable to enjoy a drink and some local products. Concerts and entertainment are organised there throughout the week, for people of all ages.
Near Tours, the Lulu Parc guinguette is a firm favourite for the children. Alongside the guinguette, there are countless attractions to enjoy at Lulu Parc: an area devoted to toddlers, with swings, a little train, mini farm, bouncy castles, pedal go-karts, water games, crazy golf and much more. It is open until midnight and families will have a ball there!
In Chartres, the guinguette La Petite Venise is a great place to come and relax after an action-packed day. You can have a drink and taste some local specialities there, in a great, musical atmosphere. Enjoy some quality time as a family on a pedalo, for a refreshing experience along the river Eure, filled with laughter and chances to splash each other!
Light trails and enchanting evening shows
Learn about the history of the Château Royal de Blois, at the incredible sound and light show. From the courtyard, witness the major events of this château, where 7 kings and 10 queens of France have lived through the years, as they come to life on the monument’s facades. The whole family will be amazed at this spectacular 360° show with video mapping technology, sound effects and voice-overs from well-known French actors!
In the evening, a soft blue light invites you to wander the narrow streets and squares of the historic town centre of Bourges. Follow the trail of the Nuits Lumières evening light show. 120 or so lanterns form a two-kilometre trail that showcases the architecture of six monuments, including the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jacques Coeur palace, named after King Charles VII’s treasurer. A magical tour!
N. Wietrich
Ad2T du Cher
In the stunning setting of the Château de Valençay, come and explore the world of ‘Puss in Boots’, the famous tale by Charles Perrault. Follow the adventures of a cunning cat who came to the rescue of his master, a miller’s son, to convince the king that he was the wealthy ‘Marquis of Carabas’. Actors, costumes, lights and music will guide the whole family through this enchanted tale!
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
From spring onwards, Chartres is filled with illuminations. Some twenty monuments are lit up with colourful, animated light shows, including the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, various churches, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the beautiful bridges straddling the river Eure. Chartres en Lumières covers 7 kilometres and can be admired in whatever order suits you. And the children will be delighted with the ride on the little Chart’train!
