Touraine - Christmas dreams in the castles

“Christmas in the Land of Touraine Castles” is a route linking seven castles which open their doors for a magical discovery of their heritage while drawing visitors into a somewhat magical Christmas atmosphere. Loches, Chinon, Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais, Amboise and Chenonceau interpret this very special season in different ways but always in such a way as to put stars in the eyes of young and old visitors.
Far from the often too mercantile atmosphere that surrounds the end-of-year celebrations, we find a little of this Christmas magic in the decorated rooms and rooms of the seven castles which have participated in this beautiful event for six years. 
If you've ever visited any of the castles, you'll be hard-pressed to recognize them: opulent buffets with sugar sculptures and mouth-watering confectioneries, lavishly set tables, spectacular or intimate stages, enchanted forests right up to the attic... Sumptuous or delicate decorations, floral art, gastronomy, tales invite you to discover the heritage of Touraine and experience Christmas in a different way.

 

 

 

AMBOISE
At the royal castle of Amboise, everything revolves around childhood dreams. A theme that comes naturally since it was a bit like the “royal nursery”: Charles VIII and François I spent their youth there. Like children today, they waited impatiently for the 12 strokes of midnight to open the magical night of December 24. The stroll through the castle is filled with hours of waiting, punctuated by instruments for measuring time. From the preparation of the dishes through mealtime, the children going to bed, sleeping and finally the opening of the packages, the visit plunges visitors into their own childhood dreams.

 

 

 

CHINON
The adventure invites itself to the royal fortress of Chinon, the last refuge of Henry II Plantagenet, King of England. The setting of these thousand-year-old walls which housed Eleanor of Aquitaine, Charles VII or even Jeanne d'Arc, is perfect for staging the legend of the sunken castle: plant decorations, lighting and sound systems evoke the adventure of Jean Scouarn who defeated a dragon and rescued the beautiful princess during a race against time on Christmas Eve. Also not to be missed are the exhibitions in the clock tower.

 

 

 

VILLANDRY
Quieter but so enchanting, Christmas at the Château de Villandry, renowned for its exceptional gardens. In this spirit, the Carvallo family brings nature into every room of its castle, including the attic, which has been transformed into an enchanted forest, making it the favorite place for young visitors. In the rooms, elegant bouquets, wreaths and arrangements made of natural materials bring a warm touch that invites you to linger. A real vegetable fairy tale in which we would so much like to settle down! It is better to plan time for the Château de Villandry, in order to enjoy a walk in the paths of its gardens which, even in winter, are of rare beauty.

 

 

 

LOCHES
The Royal City of Loches offers a more sober setting (the rooms are hardly furnished) but no less pretty thanks to the plant decorations which guide visitors straight into the world of Grinch, a bogeyman who has decided to spoil Christmas. An interactive sound device, musical excerpts and projections revisit a great classic tale. With a reading of the story on Sundays then every day during school holidays.

 

 

 

AZAY-LE-RIDEAU
Azay-le-Rideau is definitely the castle of delights. Don't worry, you won't take a gram! Cakes and meals made of silk and Napoleon III trimmings, paper, pearls and lace punctuate the stroll through the heart of the castle. The culinary creations, inspired by the art of living in the Second Empire, naturally find their place in the refined decorations of the castle. They look so delicious... Well, that's just a decoy... Guided tours allow you to discover the sweets hidden in the tapestry of Psyche, the secrets of Renaissance feasts or the introduction of chocolate in France.

 

 

 

CHENONCEAU
Dream tables are laid in Chenonceau, the “château des dames”, the favorite castle of the queens. This is where Jean-François Boucher, best worker in France in floral art, works. Throughout the year, he surprises visitors with his absolutely marvelous flower arrangements. Each year for Christmas he imagines with his team original, surprising and sumptuous creations: forest table, all-chocolate table, baroque and Venetian table... It is a debauchery of flowers and plant creations in an idyllic scenography in harmony with the tapestries and the furnishing of the different rooms.

 

 

 

LANGEAIS
The imposing Château de Langeais, which dates from the end of the Middle Ages and which saw the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, plays with light. Candles, lanterns and garlands create a shimmering atmosphere. Again, the table is set in the banquet hall. The Christmas decoration does not manage to eclipse the important ans worth seeing collection of tapestries.

 

 

 

Hard to choose, right? The best would be to treat yourself to a few days of relaxation to visit all seven castles and take the opportunity to discover the wines and other specialties of the region. Because after having admired all these festive tables, it is high time to feast for real.