Families
Family experiences to enjoy
Who said visiting castles was only for grown-ups? In the Val d’Amboise, our castles compete in creativity to immerse the youngest visitors in history. A concrete and accessible history, peopled with kings, queens, mysteries and adventures. Not forgetting the geniuses!
Our suggestions
Aquarium de Touraine
Candy factory
Park of the Mini-Chateaux
Guided tour with Mathurine at Clos Luce
Guided tour with Gabrielle in the Royal Chateau of Amboise
Pagoda of
Chanteloup
A playground for young and old
Our castles vie with each other in creativity to immerse youngsters in history.
Starting with the most brilliant of them all, Leonardo da Vinci.
Follow in his footsteps at Château du Clos Lucé, test his extraordinary inventions and let his mischievous cook, Mathurine, tell you all about his little secrets. Cross the road to meet Pacello da Mercoliano, the genial gardener to the Kings, at the Domaine Royal de Château Gaillard. In the kingdom of citrus fruits, the bubbly Toinette will tell you all about the unspoken secrets of the Kings. Treasure hunts and creative workshops punctuate the season at this extraordinary Mediterranean-inspired estate.
Head for the Château Royal d’Amboise, cradle of the Renaissance. A veritable history book in stone and bone! Equip yourself with the Histopad and use augmented reality to discover the château as King François 1er roamed it in his day. A king about whom the chatty Gabrielle will have a lot to tell you… especially the gossip that circulates in the château’s corridors. And if you’re staying for the evening, try your hand at a few dance steps with the Hisloire company.
Finally, climb the 149 steps to the Pagode de Chanteloup. A breathtaking panorama awaits you. In the park with its century-old trees, young and old alike can exercise their skills on one of the many ancient wooden games. Or why not try your hand at the Mystère de Chanteloup, an exciting treasure hunt in the heart of nature.
Looking for more castles? How about a day full of laughter at the Parc des Mini-Châteaux? Take a stroll through some of the finest châteaux in the Loire Valley, recreated in scale models. Amboise, Chenonceau, Chambord… they’re all there! Playgrounds and family attractions dot this beautiful, flower-filled park for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Just a stone’s throw from Amboise, you’ll find the Aquarium de Touraine, with its 80 tanks featuring some 360 species, including the Loire’s scariest inhabitants: the monstrous catfish.
Come back down to earth and explore the surrounding countryside. In the image of François 1er, who loved long cavalcades in the Amboise forest, saddle up your mount and set off for an invigorating ride. The equestrian centers of the Val d’Amboise offer outings for all ages and levels, to enjoy the soothing Touraine countryside. And if you prefer steam-powered horseback riding, climb aboard the Petit Train d’Amboise for a guided tour of the royal city, from its most emblematic monuments to its most picturesque alleyways. For those with a sweet tooth, the day ends with a visit to the Conservatoire de la Confiserie, where you can sample the sweets and lollies of your childhood.
