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Kids in Loire Valley

We are about to embark on two weeks in France with 5 adults and 4 children aged 5-11. In addition to 4 days in Paris and 7 in the Dordodgne, we're spending 3 nights in Amboise. In the Loire Valley we will be visiting Chenonceau, Chambord, and Chaumont, as well as the sights of Amboise. Are there any recommended activities or sights for kids to break up the chateaux? I know about the ZooParc de Beauval, but I don't think we can devote enough time there to make it worth our while. What about the Black Hawk Fortress / Forteresse du Faucon Noir in Montbazon? It has kids' activities and a dungeon.

Thanks!
Laura

Posted by
6527 posts

On the grounds of Leonardo da Vinci's house in Amboise, the Clos Luce, are models of various machines he invented. They're "life size" and operate, so kids (of all ages) can make them go. Fun for yours perhaps.

At Cheverny they keep a pack of hounds, who are fed daily (I think 4 PM but better check). This draws quite a crowd to watch the hungry animals tear into the dog food (and each other, as collateral damage). Might be a little too Darwinian for the 5-year-old, but the 11-year-oid might like it. Of course that's another chateau.....

Posted by
16893 posts

The latest updates that we have say, "At Cheverney, the dogs at the kennel are now fed daily at 11:30 (no public feedings on Tue and Sat–Sun off-season — mid-Sept–March)." But again, reconfirm.

If you have time to get as far as Guedelon, it's a very interesting castle building project.

Posted by
206 posts

We loved Clos Luce. Highly recommend it for kids. My kids were 11 & 13 when we went last year and they loved it as much as I did.

Posted by
206 posts

We loved Clos Luce. Highly recommend it for kids. My kids were 11 & 13 when we went last year and they loved it as much as I did.