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Loire Valley with kids

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I'll be in the France this July with my three children (10, 9, & 8) for 1 week each in Paris, the Loire Valley, and finally Normandy. Unfortunately my husband has to work and can't join us so I'll be navigating France on my own :)

I'm trying to figure out some of the activities in the Loire Valley and have a few questions that I hope some of you may know...

We're staying in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, fairly close to Blois. We're interested in castles, history, outside activities, and wine (for me!).

Here's our very loose schedule:
Day 1: Arrive late afternoon at Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher and wander around town.
Day 2: Drive to Amboise. Explore town. Clos-Luce (my son is obsessed with Leonardo da Vinci). Amboise Castle.
Day 3: Bike tour plus a castle? (see my question below!)
Day 4: Chenonceau and a winery
Day 5 : TBD - rest day?
Day 6: Azay-le-Rideau
Day 7: Pack up and head to Mont-St-Michel

I'd love to rent bikes one day, pack a picnic lunch, ride the bike routes, and maybe stop at a castle along the way. Along the Loire River would be ideal. Where would be the best place to do this? Blois? I'm having a hard time finding a route that's do-able in a day with kids. I need a route that puts us back where we started. Or a very easy train ride back to our start. Plus minimal traffic as I don't want to worry too much about the kids. Does this exist? LOL.

A friend mentioned that she did a sunset boat ride on the Loire that went past some of the castles. It was years ago so she couldn't remember details. My internet searches have not been successful. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'd so appreciate a recommendation! I know the kids would love something like that.

Wine....My plan is to visit perhaps one winery a day close to whatever castle we visit that day. Will most places be agreeable to 3 kids with 1 adult? They're well-behaved and accustomed to eating out and going to more adult-oriented places.

Any walking tours or other things we should do? The kids vetoed the zoo so that's out.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
1038 posts

You’re not really going to be close enough to bike anywhere, and you’d likely end up on roads shared with cars much of the time. Not something you’d want to do with kids. The Loire is kind of a meandering river in this area, it doesn’t support anything other than some locals on small boats. However, packing a picnic lunch for your castle visits is a great idea. They all have picnic areas (Chenonceaux’s was particularly lovely) and buying all the things at the different shops would be a fantastic experience for your kids.

Though I loved Azay-le-Rideau, it’s kind of far. You’re much closer to Chambord, Chenervy, Chaumount-Sur-Loire and of course, Blois itself. You may want to focus on these instead. If I were a kid, I think I’d think any castle was cool. Chenonceaux should absolutely stay on the list.

Wine caves (and shops) are used to seeing tourists, and are more than ready to help explain and explore the regional wines with you. A trip out to a winery is not a must to experience local wines in France.

Posted by
498 posts

I'd second Chenonceau. Although grand, it's scale is much more human than most chateaux. You can imagine moving in.
Nearby is Chaumont-sur-Loire. It looks castle-y (turrets and high walls) and it has an International Garden Festival every summer. Designers come and create fanciful little spaces all around the grounds. Our granddaughters (9 and 12 at the time) liked it.

Posted by
6486 posts

You will enjoy Clos Luce! I think for a kid especially, Clos Luce in Amboise would be quite enjoyable. Inventions are on display both in the smallish chateau and outside in the extensive gardens.

In the parts of the Loire I visited there didn't seem to be much activity on the river.

I would look into the wineries of Vouvray. I'm not sure how close they are to any of the chateaus, but they are more casual. We especially liked Jean Claude Aubert. It was small, family run and loved seeing childrens' toys on the driveway/yard.

Also, we enjoyed another small winery near Chaumont Sur Loire chateau and Amboise. Domaine des Pierrettes. I think when we visited a few years ago they were on their second year or so and we tasted with the wine maker.

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