Castles & tourist sites

Price: €21 Chambord, a symbol of French Renaissance throughout Europe and the world. Just 2 hours from Paris, the Loire Valley’s largest château stands within Europe’s largest fenced park. The Domain, surrounded with a 32-km wall, covers 13500 acres. Listed as a historical monument since 1840, it has been also a World Heritage site since 1981. Do not miss : the double-spiral staircase, which may have been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, the viewpoint from the rooftop, the sculpted ceilings on 2nd floor, the collections (over 4500 paintings, tapestries, furniture and works of art), the music festival in July, the exhibitions, the horse show, the roar of the stags or the local wildlife.

Price: €13 (public price: €14) The Château de Villandry is a unique example of Renaissance architecture and gardens. Six sumptuous gardens await you: the vegetable garden, the ornamental garden, the water garden, the medicinal plant garden, the labyrinth and the sun garden. The château boasts 18th century interiors and a collection of antique Spanish paintings.

Price: €19.00 (public price: €20) In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci accepted the invitation of Francis I and moved to the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, where he worked on numerous projects for the King. From Rome he brought his notebooks and three of his major works: the Mona Lisa, the Saint Anne and the Saint John the Baptist, now in the Louvre. Prolific and inspired, he worked as an engineer, architect and stage director, organising sumptuous festivities for the court. On 2 May 1519, he died in his bedroom. The house, its park - a veritable open-air museum - and the Leonardo da Vinci Painter and Architect Galleries invite you to discover the many facets of this genius through his restored workshops, models of his inventions and an immersive show presenting his 17 masterpieces...

With the 3-Castle Pass, embark on a magical journey to the heart of “Christmas in the land of châteaux”! Seven of the Loire Valley’s most prestigious castles—Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Langeais, Chinon, and Loches—celebrate the holiday spirit with exceptional tours, spectacular decorations, and unique activities.   The 3-Castle Pass gives you access to 3 of the 7 sites of your choice at special rates for the duration of the event. Other benefits: skip-the-line access at the castles of Azay-le-Rideau and Amboise, free admission — with no extra charge and no reservation required — to the evening opening at the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (valued at €16), as well as to all evening openings at the six other castles, the option to visit the Château de Chenonceau without reserving a specific tour time slot (subject to availability during the Christmas holidays in case of high attendance).   This Pass also gives you access to exclusive offers and benefits, including: a guided tour with a complimentary wine tasting at the Cave de Vouvray, discounts and special offers from about ten partner businesses.   On the program: each château features a unique theme and a special one-night-only opening!   •   Château of Villandry - At Christmas, nature makes its way into the château Once the doors are closed, plants and animals take over every room, creating an atmosphere that is by turns woodland-like and snow-covered, yet always warm and welcoming. Evening opening: Saturday, December 5.   •    Château of Azay-le-Rideau - The flavours of fine French patisserie Each room in the château is dedicated to a signature dish of the festive season, presented in refined, immersive and sometimes animated settings. Evening opening: Saturday, December 12.   •    Royal Château of Amboise - A Royal Christmas for the pet animals Taking advantage of the court’s temporary absence, the castle’s pets have decided to secretly organize their own Christmas celebrations in the royal residence. Evening opening: Friday, December 11.   •    Château of Chenonceau - Christmas and traditions around the world The castle pays tribute to customs from around the world, including Great Britain, Germany, the Americas, Iceland, and more… Evening opening: Wednesday, December 23.   •    Château of Langeais - An enchanting and musical Christmas Light, plants, textiles, paper and sound come together in an immersive experience with a delicate, contemporary narrative, interacting with the site’s collections, spaces and historical materials. Evening opening: Saturday, December 26.   •    Royal Fortress of Chinon - Christmas in Fairyland Designed as a self-guided walk, the tour gradually reveals these mysterious creatures, hidden within the scenery or moving through the heart of an enchanted forest. Evening tour: Saturday, December 19.   •    Royal City of Loches - Tales from the Royal City: Beauty and the Beast From the entrance to the royal residence, every space becomes a living scene from the story, transformed by snow, red roses, sets and lighting effects. Evening opening: Tuesday, December 29.