Mini Châteaux Park
The Mini Châteaux Park: The Loire Valley in Miniature
Nestled in the heart of Amboise, the Mini Châteaux Park offers a unique experience: exploring the Loire Valley during a leisurely stroll.
Forty-one model castles, reproduced at a scale of 1/25th, allow visitors to discover, or rediscover, the jewels of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
An Architectural Journey Along the Loire
In a two-hectare park, visitors are guided along the region’s rivers, from model to model. Chambord, Chenonceau, the fortress of Chinon, Clos Lucé, Villandry… the greatest names of the Loire Valley follow one another, faithfully reproduced in their finest architectural details.
In front of each model, a description presents the castle, its architecture, and its location in relation to Amboise, providing a valuable geographical reference point for exploring the area.
The park thus provides an ideal introduction to the region: it allows visitors to grasp the richness and diversity of the Loire Valley’s heritage before exploring the full-size castles, or to delve deeper into their history from a new perspective.
Remarkable attention to detail
The entire site demonstrates meticulous care given to every element of the display. Figurines bring the models to life, while numerous details scattered throughout the park (boats on the waterways, small figures in the scenery, etc.) enhance the immersive nature of the visit and encourage close observation.
The landscaping plays a vital role in this overall coherence. The park is home to nearly 2,500 trees pruned to scale with the models. Managed by structural pruning, these trees undergo rigorous maintenance: six to seven interventions per year, each representing approximately 200 hours of work.
A visit suitable for all ages
The Mini Castles Park has designed its route to meet the expectations of a diverse audience. Activities are available along the way for younger visitors: a carousel, a game of goose, a horse race, and more.
Meanwhile, the Histo’Tab system offers interactive tablets that allow visitors to solve puzzles throughout their visit. The goal: to piece together a treasure by progressing from castle to castle, combining heritage discovery with a fun experience.
Behind the scenes at the park
Halfway through the visit, the Model Maker’s Workshop offers insight into the professions that contribute to the park’s operation. Tools, models undergoing restoration, and manufacturing techniques: this space highlights the work of the artisans and allows visitors to appreciate the precision required for each reproduction.
A vegetable garden, tended by the park’s gardeners, completes this behind-the-scenes look at the site.
Practical Information
- The Mini Castles Park is open every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM), from April 4th to September 31st and during the All Saints’ Day school holidays.
- Admission can be combined with that of the Touraine Aquarium for an enhanced day of discovery.
- The park is also included in the City Pass offered by the Val d’Amboise Tourist Office, which provides access to 10 attractions in the region at a discounted price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Mini-Châteaux Park?
The Mini-Châteaux Park is located just outside Amboise, towards Chenonceaux, a 2-minute drive from the town center. Parking is available on site.
It is also accessible by bicycle: The “Loire à Vélo” cycling route is less than 2 km from the park. You can cycle along the banks of the Loire River in the center of Amboise, towards Lussault-sur-Loire or Chaumont, or towards Chenonceaux at the Closerie de Chanteloup intersection with the D83.
For shared routes: from the center of Amboise, follow the signs for Chenonceaux. After the hill, you will arrive at the Mini-Châteaux Park on the D31.
What can you see at the Mini-Châteaux Park?
The Mini-Châteaux Park offers a leisurely stroll through the Loire Valley. In total, 41 model castles, reproduced at a scale of 1/25th, allow visitors to discover, or rediscover, the treasures of an estate listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How long does a visit to the Mini-Châteaux Park take?
A visit to the Mini-Châteaux Park lasts on average between 1.5 and 2 hours. For those who enjoy strolling or taking a guided tour, the visit can last up to approximately 2.5 hours.
Does the Mini-Châteaux Park allow pets?
No, pets are not allowed in the Mini-Châteaux Park.
What is the price of admission to the Mini-Châteaux Park?
For 2026, the price of admission to the Mini-Châteaux Park is €15 for those over 13 years old, and €11 for children aged 3 to 12 inclusive. Reduced rates are also available for people with reduced mobility or families with at least three paying children.
The Duo ticket combines the Touraine Aquarium and the Mini-Châteaux Park for €25 for those over 13 and €18 for children aged 3 to 12 inclusive.
Finally, the park is also included in the City Pass offered by the Val d’Amboise Tourist Office, which provides access to 10 attractions in the region at a discounted price.
What are the opening hours of the Mini-Châteaux Park?
For 2026, the Mini-Châteaux Park is open:
From April 4 to September 31 and during the All Saints’ Day school holidays, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
(Ticket office closes one hour before closing time, last entry at 5:00 PM)
