What to do on 1st January?

Celebrate Christmas after the season at the château...

Extend the magic of the festive season by visiting the châteaux of Villandry and Chenonceau, lavishly decorated for ‘Christmas in the Land of Châteaux’. The Château de Chenonceau promises a Christmas in the Far North with immaculate white decorations, snow-covered fir trees and even animals from the ice floes nestled in the kitchens. As always, the floral displays are created by Jean-François Boucher, scenographer and Meilleur Ouvrier de France. At Villandry, the theme of nature and gardens takes over every room, promising a journey into the heart of a botanical fairy tale.

For total immersion, you can opt for Santa's village at the Fortress of Montbazon! Bright decorations, crown-making and face-painting workshops, balloon sculpting, an ice rink, a flying chair ride, Father Christmas and his reindeer... No need to go to Lapland to enjoy the magic of Christmas to the full, even on 1st January!

Villandry Gardens & Castle: open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Chenonceau Castle: open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:00 p.m.)
Montbazon Fortress: open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Please note that some châteaux, such as Langeais, Loches, Azay-le-Rideau, and Amboise, will be closed on that day, but you can enjoy the ‘Christmas in the Land of Châteaux’ event until 4 January. More information can be found in the dedicated article.

…or on a merry-go-round!

The flagship Christmas fairground attractions in Tours are open until 3 January. Choose from rides, a Ferris wheel or even an ice rink! Find out more.

Visit an iconic monument

Fancy a bit of peace and quiet after a wild night out? Savour the silence and beauty of two unmissable monuments of Tours' heritage: Saint-Gatien Cathedral and Saint-Martin Basilica in Tours.

Saint-Gatien Cathedral: open from 8.30am to 6pm

Saint-Martin Basilica: open from 8am to 7pm

Have fun indoors

Is the weather gloomy? On 1 January, Studio cinemas and CGR Tours Centre are open in the afternoon. It's a great opportunity to spend more time with friends or family while relaxing in a comfortable armchair!

Are you in top form? Challenge yourself as a team in the life-size Prison Island escape game or bowl a strike at Bowlcenter.

Work off yesterday's excesses with a walk in nature

Prefer hiking? Choose one of the 48 hiking trails in the Tours metropolitan area to get your 10,000 steps in to the sound of birdsong! Prefer a leisurely stroll? The parks and gardens of Tours are open all day, and the flamingos in the Botanical Garden are waiting for you!