Family vacations in the Loire

Visiting chateaux with children

A word to the wise – chateaux are magical – but you don’t want to spend your whole time slogging around them, especially with kids in tow. Gothic pinnacles might not be the high point of their vacation, no matter how much of an architecture buff you may be. Luckily, many of the bigger chateaux put on little trails and activities for families. At Chateau du Clos Lucé you can see replicas of Leonardo Da Vinci’s wackiest inventions, from a portable bridge (useful) to a helicopter that looks like it would be best kept on the ground. Cheverny has a permanent Tintin exhibition – the chateau inspired Tintin's Marlinspike Hall (where Captain Haddock lived). Chateau du Rivau has a whole garden full of fun, from rentable costumes to a giant maze. Some vacations equip you with a ‘Master Key’ – a pass that allows you access to the chateaux en route, no need to carry cash for the entrance fee.

Practicalities

When your child is nine months old and can sit up unassisted, you can take them on your bike. Simply pop them in the pannier (just joking! – child seats and trailers are provided). Once you’ve got to the chateau of your choosing, you’ll probably need to pay an entry fee. Chateau ticketing systems differ – in Blois, kids under 6 go free, in Amboise it’s under 7s. At Chambord, under 18s go free. In smaller chateaux, like Chateau de Villesavin, the tariff is far cheaper.