Hi All, we are a family of 3, including a 4yr old kid. During our france isit in the month of May we are planning to spend 2 days in Loire Valley. Can someone suggest some good activities or sight seeing in this area. I have heard about Loire Valley Wine tours and Hot Air balloons. can someone suggest some good options. Also please suggest on some good place to stay. Will Tours be a good place for stay in terms of access to all these sights ?
Posted by
174 posts
You’re in the Loire, which is famous for its chateaux. I think it would be a shame if you didn’t see one or two, so I’d suggest one of your days be dedicated to seeing them. Chambord and Chenonceaux are near each other and are a good introduction. Chenonceaux has some nice gardens to walk through as well. But if you’re not interested in the chateaux, what are your specific interests?
Hot air ballooning is definitely an option. Many seem to do them at sunrise or sunset. Check age requirements to make sure your 4 year old can join. The RS book does a good little overview for setting this up.
As to where to stay, you’ll likely see two recommendations on this board. A choice to stay in Tours (which is much larger and has a more average French city feel with more options for eateries, ect) or Amboise (Which is more touristy but is very quaint and has a lovely river front).
I personally prefer Amboise. We found it a great jumping off point to see the chateaux and was more easily navigable to what we wanted to do. Some people call it (way too harshly) Disneylandish—Having been to Disney upwards of 10 times, I can say difinitively that it’s not, but it might be more comfortable with a small child. We loved wandering there in the evening and looking from across the river at the chateau while balloons came overhead. It’s an image that will forever remain in my head. But you’ll see many advocating for Tours too, which is very nice. It all comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for.
I would suggest reading through the Loire Valley chapter of the RS book to get an idea of the things you’re most interested in. Bring that list back to the board, and it might be easier for us to make suggestions for how to manage your two days.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5634 posts
I think children would enjoy some of the chateaus with large gardens like Villandry and Chenonceau. Also, right in Amboise is Clos Luce, DaVinci's chateau. It is very interesting and quite different from the other chateau. There are models of his inventions and a huge outdoor area, again with models of inventions. It'd be good for walking/running around.
I always suggest people watch the RS tv shows. They are on this website and Amazon and usually available at libraries. There is one that includes the Loire. I think the kids would enjoy watching to get inspiration for the vacation.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2549 posts
I might suggest your spending one day east of Tours visiting the following châteaux: Chambord, Cheverny, Blois, or Chenonceau. You could also spend two days visiting two locations a day. If you are a garden fan there is the garden competition at Chaumont which can be interesting.
On the west of Tours, I like Villandry (for its garden only) and Azay le Rideau but these will add driving to your day if you are based in Amboise.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7327 posts
I think May is too early, but check for "illuminations" (mainly outdoor and all-the-windows candlelighting, not interior) and "Son-et-Lumiere", which was invented in the Loire, in Azay-le-Rideau. These are commonly weekend nights, but only a very few.
Posted by
Loire Valley
766 posts
You will have to check the individual companies, but I think the problem with a balloon ride will be your 4 year old. We're not allowed (by law) to carry anyone under 4 in our cars, and I can't believe the ballon companies have a lower age limit.
As it sounds like you will have a car I suggest you avoid staying in a town at all. There is plenty of accommodation to be had staying in small villages or in farms. That will give your child more places to run about. You may even find accommodation in a cave that suits you.
Places to visit really does depend on your (and your child's) interests.Chenonceau is a good one for kids. Although they no longer have a playground there is a maze, and the excitement of a building that's also a bridge. Ussé is good, well worth a visit for adults, and there's also the Sleeping Beauty stuff. Chambord might suit, but it's an hour by car from anywhere else, and the main interest is in the park - the 4 ppl cycles, which are not nearly as much fun as they sound, and the electric boars (which are). You should also be able to find farm visits to see how goats cheese is made ( and then match with the wine you have bought direct from the winemaker). There's also a couple of zoos, and the Touraine Aquarium, which has a good reputation.