Welcome to the Loire Valley, where fairy tales come to life in the majestic châteaux that dot the landscape.
From treasure hunts to tree houses and medieval games, some castles don't forget their young visitors!
Discover our selection of the best Loire castles to visit with children, with our tips and photos.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Loire Valley castles with children: selection + map
Given the impressive number of châteaux in the Loire Valley, it's not always easy to choose. Especially when traveling with children, who may not be so keen on the architecture and furnishings.
We've taken stock of the situation for you:
- The most child-friendly castles with special attractions - see our map below.
- Our analysis of the Loire Valley's most beautiful châteaux and how they can be enjoyed by children.
Our 3 favorites are:
- Château d'Ussé with its scenes from Sleeping Beauty
- The Fortress of Chinon with its immersive tour to learn more about the Middle Ages
- Château de Rivau and its dreamlike ambience to stimulate the imagination
1. Château d'Ussé
Why visit with children?
The castle of Ussé is so magical that it inspired Charles Perrault in the 17th century for his prose tale"Sleeping Beauty". Its harmonious architecture, its human size, its gardens overlooking the Indre, everything is an invitation to romantic reverie. Who knows, maybe you'll meet Prince Charming!
This château is clearly one of the best Loire Valley châteaux to visit with your children. In addition to the pleasure of discovering the famous Sleeping Beauty castle, they will have a complete overview of castle life in a short visit time.
And for Easter, there's a big egg hunt with the exclusive presence of the Princess!
Useful information
- Near the city of: Tours
- Style: Renaissance
- Interesting for: exterior architecture, wax doll re-enactments and gardens
- Open all year round (mid-February to mid-November).
- Accommodation available: No
- Timetable on the official website here
- More photos and tips in our article
2. Chinon fortress
Why visit with children?
On the borders of Anjou, Tourraine and Poitou, a beautiful medieval fortress made up of 3 separate but adjoining castles. Situated on a rocky spur, the fortress stretches for 300 meters and overlooks the Vienne River, which flows through the valley, and the town of Chinon.
The site has been very well developed for both adults and children.
You can discover scenes with the augmented reality tablet, solve riddles, or follow Bertille, a character who takes you on a tour of the premises.
There are no big rooms full of furniture, but lots of different buildings with lots of entertainment.
Children of all ages will love it.
Useful information
- Nearest city: Saumur
- Style: 10th to 13th century
- Interesting for: exterior architecture
- Open to visitors all year round
- Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
- Possibility of accommodation: no
- Timetable on the official website here
- More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
3. Château du Rivau
Why visit with children?
Taking an enchanted break at Château du Rivau was an unforgettable experience for us. This feudal castle of modest dimensions is set in a remarkable agricultural and botanical setting. Its current owners bring together the best of contemporary design with Renaissance elements in the castle's logis and with nature in the 15 remarkable gardens.
The dreamlike world of fairy-tale gardens can be a source of motivation and interest. And contrary to popular belief, children are often very receptive to contemporary art.
To facilitate the visit, the teams of the castle propose all the year:
- 3-5 years: treasure hunt in search of the Hind in the Woods
- 6-10 years old: game books on the theme of fairy tales
- 12-16 years old: booklet "The compass of time" to discover the rooms of the castle
Useful information
- Nearest city: Tours
- The castle can be visited
- Style: 17th century
- Interesting for: architecture, interiors and parkland
- Open to visitors: April 1 to November 13
- Possibility of accommodation: yes
- Schedule on the official website here
- Read our full article on Château du Rivau.
3. Montbazon fortress
Why visit with children?
Overlooking the valley of the Indre, it remains of this castral site, a medieval keep of 26 to 28 meters height on 3 levels, as well as a house of the XVth century and fortifications. The site is committed to the preservation of medieval know-how.
In the heart of the ruins, there's something for the whole family, with workshops and activities:
- Leather working
- Period games
- Catapult shooting
- Crossbow shooting
- Stone sculpture
- Blacksmithing
- And a live show!
And as you can see from the photo below, it's not always the kids who have the most fun!
Useful information
- Nearest city: Tours
- Style: Medieval and Renaissance
- Opening period: weekends and holidays in April, May, June and September and every day in July and August
- Possibility of accommodation: no
- Timetable on the official website here.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Château des énigmes de Fréteval
Why visit with children?
A large manor house, rebuilt many times over the centuries, the Rocheux castle in Fréteval is especially interesting for introducing children to castle visits. A real leisure park, it offers a course in 28 games that will appeal to the 5 senses of your children.
There's a great indoor (with staging) and outdoor treasure hunt. Activities include maths, history, logic and a bit of physical exercise!
Claire has deciphered all the riddles, what about you?
Useful information
- Nearest town: Blois (30 minutes away)
- Style: 19th century
- Opening period: April to early November
- Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
- Possibility of accommodation: yes
- Timetable on the official website here
- More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).
5. Mini-Castles Park
Why visit with children?
To get a better idea of the different styles of castles in a fun way, we suggest you take a look at these miniatures.
Reproductions are on a scale of 1:25, and include all the finest Loire châteaux. You feel like a giant.
The site also features cars, a circuit on a mechanical horse...
Useful information
- Nearest city: Amboise
- Opening period: April to end September, as well as weekends in October and the local All Saints' vacation.
- Possibility of accommodation: yes
- Timetable on the official website here
- More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
6. Château de Cheverny (Moulinsart)
Why visit with children?
Château de Cheverny was built in the 17th century, but became part of the history of Loire castles when Hergé used it as the inspiration for the famous Château de Moulinsart in which Tintin was held prisoner, before becoming the property of the volcanic Captain Haddock.
Claire was delighted by the château's vast park, which can be visited by electric buggy and boat, and its remarkable trees.
Children will particularly enjoy the permanent exhibition "The Secrets of Moulinsart", featuring Professor Tournesol's laboratory, Tintin's bedroom and Snowy's basket.
The boat trip (additional cost) should also appeal to young and old alike.
Useful information
- Nearest city: Tours
- Style: 17th century
- Interesting for: Tintin Park and Museum
- Open to visitors all year round
- Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
- Possibility of accommodation: yes
- Timetable on the official website here
- More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).
7. Château du Clos Lucé (40 min east)
Why visit with children?
This small castle, located in the town of Amboise, was the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. It was King Francis I who decided to place this manor at the disposal of the Italian Master who lived there for three years until his death on May 2, 1519. The interior of the castle plunges you into the world of Leonardo da Vinci and the park presents his brilliant inventions and artistic inspiration.
It's the ideal castle for children who love science and invention.
For 7 to 12 year-olds, a "Carnet de l'Inventeur" (Inventor's Notebook) lets them discover ingenious machines and 3D animations.
On site you'll also find a slide, a small climbing wall and a slide pole.
Useful information
- Nearest city: Amboise
- Style: 15th century
- Suitable for: interiors and gardens
- Open to visitors all year round
- Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
- Possibility of accommodation: no
- Timetable on the official website here
- More photos and tips in our article
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
8. Château de Selles-sur-Cher (Dinosaur Park)
Why visit with children?
If the very first castle dates back to 935, only elements of the 13th century remain today, notably 2 impressive towers that protected the entrance. In 1604, the new owner, French ambassador Philippe de Béthune, commissioned the construction of 2 square pavilions, now known as the Pavillon de Béthune (whose interior can be visited) and the Pavillon de Sully, linked by a 30-meter wing.
But this castle is also home to dinosaurs! Here you'll discover Dashanpu, a park with over 50 representations of dinosaurs, including the leaf-eating diplodocus and the fearsome tyrannosaurus. Some are even animated!
Useful information
- Nearest city: Blois
- Style: Medieval and Renaissance
- Interesting for: exterior architecture
- Opening period: from the beginning of April to the end of December.
- Lodging possibility: yes in 4 gites located at 2 steps from the castle
- Visit the official website of the castle of Selles-sur-Cher
9. Château du Grand-Pressigny - prehistory museum
Why visit with children?
A former medieval fortress, of which only the keep is still visible, the Grand Pressigné castle was transformed into a dwelling by a cousin of François I in the middle of the 16th century. The building's renaissance gallery now houses the rich prehistory museum and its collection of carved flints.
Children will particularly appreciate the prehistoric animal models in the château courtyard.
Useful information
- Nearest city: Tours (1h drive)
- Style: 16th century
- Interesting for: museum
- Opening period: all year round
- Possibility of accommodation: no
- Timetable on the official website here
10. Château de Sully-sur-Loire
Why visit with children?
The Château de Sully-sur-Loire is one of the first castles on the Loire. Itsimpressive moat is fed by the river Sange which crosses theimmense park of the castle of 42 hectares.
This castle will appeal to children with its labyrinthine appearance, its esalciers, its covered walkways and its seemingly secret trap discoveries.
Some rooms offer a range of activities: creative workshops, medieval cooking...
For 7- to 12-year-olds, a game booklet makes the visit even more fun.
Useful information
- Near the city of: Orleans
- Style: mosaic from the 15th century onwards
- Interesting for: exterior architecture and park
- Seasonal opening: February to December
- Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
- Accommodation available: No
- Timetable on the official website here
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers' beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
11. Château de Langeais
Why visit with children?
Facing outwards, Château de Langeais is a typically defensive medieval castle. On the other side (facing the gardens), it is a typical renaissance royal dwelling. You will enjoy beautiful views of the (very) photogenic castle from the park and you can watch areenactment of the wedding of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII inside. Royal, right?
Children should enjoy their visit to this castle, thanks to the staging in some of the rooms. But others will be difficult for them to grasp.
The château isn't very big.
And children should particularly appreciate the small park with a tree house and a staircase along an old wall.
Useful information
- Nearest city: Tours
- Style: medieval and renaissance
- Interesting for: exterior architecture, re-enactment of the royal wedding in Wax dolls
- Open to visitors all year round
- Possibility of accommodation: no
- Timetable on the official website here
- More photos and tips in our article
12. Château de la Ferté-Saint-Aubin
Why visit with children?
A small castle original by its very horizontal organization, surrounded by moats in which flows the river Cosson. 7 of its branches irrigate the 40-hectare park. The owners like to say that their château can be visited from the cellar (which houses the kitchens) to the attic (with its collection of porcelain dolls and antique games).
On site, the whole family can enjoy escape games.
And in the park, games on different scales have been built so that everyone can take part.
Useful information
- Nearest city: Orléans
- Style: renaissance
- Interesting for: exterior architecture, toy loft and park
- Opening period: all year round
- Possibility of accommodation: yes
- Timetable on the official website here
Our opinion on castles to visit with children
Chenonceau castle with children
We feel this castle is both a must-see and a challenging experience for young children. Even if they are seduced by the beauty of the place, the size of the castle and the crowds can be a source of tension.
And in the gardens, there's a hedge maze.
An activity book is also available.
Château de Villandry and its gardens with children
Villandry's gardens are a great way for them to get some fresh air. The paths are suitable for strollers and a booklet can accompany this discovery for 8-12 year olds. However, the visit is long and the charm of the gardens is not easily accessible. It will be necessary to measure your ambition carefully.
Chambord castle with children
The Château de Chambord is an absolute must-see. But we are not sure it is suitable for all ages, especially because of the length of the tour and the crowds. Only for really passionate kids.
An activity book is also available.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau with children
The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau may be a little crowded for children, and not necessarily very accessible, but for us it's a must-see in the Loire Valley. The center of the historical monuments provides a booklet course-games to propose a playful visit.
Other attractions in the Loire Valley with children
In addition to the castles, here are a few must-see attractions that children will love
Terra Botanica in Angers
Located in Angers, Terra Botanica is a theme park unique in Europe, dedicated to the fascinating world of plants. Over more than 40 hectares, young and old alike can explore an enchanting universe where learning and entertainment go hand in hand.
You'll discover:
- a 4D movie
- bushes in the shape of fantastic animals
- a course through giant trees
- botanical events
The elephant of Nantes
To connect you to the soul of Nantes, the Elephant of Nantes and the Machînes de l'île are for us the best place:.
- In just a few years, the Nantes elephant has become the symbol of the city's renewal, symbolizing the transition from a port city to a cultural and creative city!
- You're bound to be impressed by these strange machines, made of wood and metal that fly and walk.
- You'll travel into the wonderful world of the famous Nantes writer Jules Verne, author of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea".
- Discover the technical and manual skills of the people of Nantes, in the heart of the former Atlantic shipyard. A symbol
- Read our full article
>> To avoid long queues, book your citypass now.
Rochemenier, Troglodytic Village Museum
Perched on a tufa rock hillside, the troglodyte village of Rochemenier offers a fascinating insight into troglodyte living.
The tour takes in two reconstructed troglodyte farms, allowing visitors to imagine the daily life of troglodytes in days gone by: how they ate, how they worked, how they had fun.
There's also a Troglo'Quiz to get children involved in the visit.
- Near the town of Saumur
- Timetable on the official website here.
Grand Aquarium Touraine
Young and old alike will be fascinated by this marine world.
It includes over 10,000 fish and invertebrates from Touraine's rivers, the French coast and tropical seas.
Children will particularly enjoy the requi tunnel, touch pool and other activities.
- Near Tours en Amboise
- Timetable on the official website here
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
