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Domaine De La Tortinère — You can tell your children that legend has it that Charles Perrault was inspired to write ‘Sleeping Beauty’ while walking the magnificent gardens of this chateau. If that doesn’t impress them then all the activities on offer will.

The Domaine de la Tortinière welcomes families. They understand that parents want to combine a luxury stay with comfortable family accommodation. The exterior cottages are perfect for families particularly ‘The Genêts Pavillion’ which boasts over 300 metres and, while situated outside the property, is less than two minutes to the chateau for meals or drinks.

This family owned chateau offers numerous touches that keep children occupied. From the ‘game trolley’ that is brought to the table while dining in the restaurant to all the activities and games in the garden. Then, of course, there’s the heated swimming pool, cycling and fishing.


Alternatively the chateau offers only 29 rooms. See the website for interior photoes. A summer in the Loire Valley is magical. Even more with a stay at the Chateau de la Tortinière.

www.tortiniere.com
Route de Ballan Miré, Montbazon: 33 (0)2 47 34 35 00

Chateau Valençay — Chateau Valençay – a little further afield, if you're based closed to Tours. The chateau is historically interesting but won't appeal to kids however the garden and farm will as well as a fantastic 'French maze' that demands you solve puzzles in order to exit. Be warned ....Valençay is a sleepy town.
www.chateau-valencay.com

Maison de la Magic — Blois: Chateau Blois and the Maison De la Magie – discover the secrets of the great Robert Houdin. Any budding magician will enjoy this museum devoted to the great master. Three whole floors are dedicated to illusional effects and hallucinations. Don’t miss the adventure on the third floor as it offers a wonderful sensory tour for kids and parents. Enjoy numerous short magic acts (cards etc) and a main show twice daily which was thoroughly entertaining for even the under 3s.

Open from March to Sept. Closed from 12-2.00pm. However see website for opening times, it often changes.

Tip: Don’t miss the roaming dinosaurs who make their appearance on the balconies on the hour.
www.maisondelamagie.fr
Blois: Village centre

Chateau Amboise & Clos de Luce — The grandeur of this imposing castle is visible miles on approach; the gardens and views of the Loire River and the Amboise village are magnificent A short walk away is 'Clos de Luce' which a better attraction for kids as they can roam free and interact with the inventions of the great Leonardo Da Vinci displayed in the vast garden.
www.chateau-amboise.com
www.closdeluce.com

Like to skate? ‘Patiner à Tours’ — The local ice skating rink is always fun, particularly their themed ‘soirees’ which attract the teenage crowd. The best session time for young children is Sunday from 9.30am to midday or Sunday 3.30pm to 6pm.

Special Events:
Ice Party – 18 April
Soirée Danses du Monde – 28 September
La Nuit D’Halloween – 26 October
Tempête de Neige – 30 November & 28 March (skate under snowflakes)
Noël Des Petit – 23 Decembre – 10 am (Santa, free hot chocolate, games on the ice)

All the above commence at 8.30pm till 11pm
27 rue de L’Elysée, Tours, off rue Grammont t: 02 47 70 86 30

Château du Rivau – garden of feries — Wonderful garden of roses, feries and other little surprises. Ask for your “la piste de L’Enfant Roy” During the summer months the restaurant offers local Touraine dishes for lunch. Don't miss

September 14 Pumpkin Feast. Enjoy the party with elves and magicians.

September 21 - Loire Valley wine Sale by auctionere Maitre Rouillac
October 11 - Concert Novencento.
Lunch or Dinner in the area? Try Auberge du Val de Vienne, review at EAT.



www.chateaudurivau.com
Le Coudray, 37120 Lémeré t: 02 47 95 77 47

The Donjon at Loches — Quiet a journey into 11th century dungeons. The walls are some 36 metres high, no escaping here. It was later transformed into a prison and you can visit the many levels and also see the private prison of Ludovic Sforza, once duke of MIlan. It might be a little 'eerie' for little ones, but boys over 6 will enjoy this adventure.

Each year (13-17 August 2008) Loches plays hosts to a week long of medieval activities. Lots of games, dancing and activities for children as well as a medieval market that been goings for hundreds of years. July and August also include night spectacles at the chateau.
www.chateau-loches.fr
Loches

Chateau de Chaumont - Garden Festival — From late April to early October an innovative festival is held to celebrate nature and art. This combination is exhilarating. This festival is clearly becoming an international event. You start by descending into a mini-rainforest complete with the mist and ambiance which kids love; then you wonder from one themed garden to another, there are approximately 25 area created by a different 'artist' Workshops are run for kids to create their own mobiles or decorate pots and learn a little more about creating a garden. You can get by with basic french and great sign-language. But don't miss this great day out. There are restaurants and cafes or you can prepare a picnic.
www.chaumont-jardin.com

Château du Mace — A wonderfully mythical château for kids with lots of activities (in French) but don’t let that deter you; there’s an opportunity to dress up as chevaliers and learn a few French words.
www.chateauplessismace.fr
Le Plessis-Mac, Angers