Chenonceau Castle, the charming "Château des Dames", Loire Valley

Chenonceau castle over the Cher river

The picture of the Chenonceau Castle over the Cher River is probably the second best known of the Loire Valley, just after Chambord Castle.This château is so charming that it seems out of a dream.

Chenonceau is named "Chateau des Dames" because it had been built by Katherine Buissonet in 1513, and was embellished by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis. And during the french revolution, it has been protected by Madame Dupin who emphasized the role of the bridge as a crucial local transport link across the river. All these strong women marked Chenonceau Castle history.

These families shared their travel experience in Loire Valley : The Pigeon Pair and Me

On this blog I will regularly share experiences of other families who travelled in Loire Valley and described their experience on a website. So you will learn their favourite places, receive some good tips et avoid tourist traps !

Blois Castle, the house of 7 kings and 10 queens, Loire Valley

Aerial view of Blois Castle, in the middle of Blois town

Blois Castle is the only one built in a city centre. It was the favourite house of French Kings during the Renaissance and it is an unique example of French architecture from the 12th to the 17th century with its 4 wings built at various times.

Gothic architecture (Louis XII)

Renaissance architecture, with this beautiful external spiral staircase (Francis I)

This castle has been restored by Felix Duband during the 19th century, and the interior is really fabulous. Unlike other castles of the Loire Valley, this one is very well furnished and all rooms are full of colors. You will really be able to put yourself in the place of the kings who lived here.

The King bedroom, with a painting of Henri III

The two more amazing rooms for us are the "Salle des Etats Généraux" and the "Cabinet de la Reine".

The first one is a huge room (18 m wide and 30 m long), built in 1214. You will feel like an ant when you will enter in this room for the first time. A throne is waiting there for your kids, they can sit on it like a Renaissance King. That will give a nice picture !

The "Salle des Etats Généraux" : fabulous

The second is a little room with walls covered with 217 carved wooden panelling. This panelling has not been changed since the time of Catherine de Medicis, 500 years ago. That's amazing, no ?

The "Cabinet de la Reine"

The castle offers various type of visits. The typical guided tour is offered in English during July and August, and you can rent an audio-guide in various languages throughout the year. Unfortunately the family type visits are only in French.

During summer time, the castle offers swords fight shows in the castle courtyard, very impressive and funny.  The actors are really sword masters, and you will think that they fight real duels until they make everybody laugh with some joke. At the end of the show, the actors pose for the photo. It makes really nice pictures with the children in the middle of the swordsmen.

The swords fight show

You will need only a half day to visit Blois Castle. That gives you the time to visit the House of Magic, another must-see of Blois, just in front of the Château.

Website : http://en.chateaudeblois.fr/

One of the 10 best zoos in the world : Zoo de Beauval, Loire Valley

The bird show "Les Maîtres des Airs" : you will be sourrounded by 200 wonderful birds

During your trip in Loire Valley, you cannot miss a visit in Zoo de Beauval, one of the 10 best zoos in the world. You will find it near the town of Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, a beautiful old town with a nice castle.

The House of Magic in Blois, Loire Valley

 The House of Magic is located in Blois downtown, just in front of the Royal Castle. The first thing to do, even before entering, is to stay at the front of the House and to wait until the drakes come out. Yes, I'm talking about drakes ! Mechanical drakes show up from the windows, growling and spitting smoke. It's really impressive for little children !

Christmas event in Chambord

Since the 1st December, Chambord celebrates Christmas. We were there last Sunday, and our kids (and us) were really impressed. The castle succeeded to create a warm Christmas spirit in this cold stone castel.

 Wonderful decorations and Christmas trees, huge wood fires to warm the rooms, and singing and dancing demonstrations with costumed characters : all was done to make our stay really magic.

Chambord Castle : an architectural jewel in the heart of the the largest enclosed forest in Europe

Chambord castle is famous all over the world, the 2^nd most visited château of France, after Versailles. With its 426 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 77 staircases, it’s the largest château in the Loire Valley and his architecture, inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci, is very impressive.