My husband, myself and our 5 kids (ages 7-18) are going to France for 3 weeks in May/June. Long story short, we are traveling all over but I'd like to know how many days we should stay in the Loire Valley. FYI- we are not interested in anything to do with wine (tours, tasting etc), and would probably only do one Chateau tour. We could stay in the region up to 4 days. How long would you suggest and do you have any activity suggestions? We will be driving a rental car.
Posted by
1230 posts
In my experience visiting France with our kids that age, we drove from Paris to the Loire Valley and stayed 2 nights, just outside of Amboise. We visited two chateau's (Chenenceaux and Chambourd), ate and walked around Amboise, and my younger two swam in the river. That was enough for us. The Chateau's are pretty spread out, so you do drive around the valley. We considered spending another day on the other side of Tours to visit the Chateau that starts with a V (???), for the famed gardens, but didnt. The way I allocate days is to really picture us in each place on each day and imagine how we will feel doing the things I imagine doing. 2 nights and 2 Chateau's was perfect for us ;) I really liked our choice of Chateau's bc they are so different but both so compelling. There's a also a Leonardo de Vinci museum in Amboise that I thought my younger two would enjoy but we didnt end up going. Then we moved on to the Dordogne...
Posted by
3123 posts
Also in Saumur, you might be able to see the Cadre Noir horse show. It looks like the dates of the public performances for 2019 aren't announced just yet. https://www.ifce.fr/en/cadre-noir/events/
Of the chateaux we visited, the Fortress of Chinon was the most kid-friendly as it has motion-activated sound effects and interactive video exhibits, lots of informational signage, and a play area. Chinon is a straight shot southwest from Azay-le-Rideau, about half an hour's drive on a tree-lined country road. If your kids are interested in Joan of Arc, Eleanor of Aquitaine, or the Knights Templar, they will find Chinon intriguing. The RS guidebook describes a self-guided walking tour through Chinon's old town, which we didn't have time to do, but would love to if we ever get a chance to return.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7810 posts
I haven’t been in the Loire Valley for many years (will be there this year, though) but I will throw out the idea that you might want a half day to take a scenic bike ride. It would be a great family activity and a change from riding in the car.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
FYI, as though being able to witness the feeding of the hounds was not alrady kid-friendly enough, the Chateau de Cheverny has Lego exhibits to enhance each room of the chateau, now on view until sometime in June.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
589 posts
Canoeing and kayaking are also available on the Loire and Cher Rivers. I believe you can take a canoe trip to and from Amboise to chateau Chenonceau.