During the Christmas period, the Loire Valley becomes a veritable fairytale: many châteaux are decked out in magical decorations, offering special events, and some even open up areas that are usually closed to celebrate the magic of the festive season. 🎄 Christmas in the Land of Castles - Must-See Events 🏰 Chambord Castle Enchanting lights, giant Christmas trees, family entertainment A grandiose atmosphere in a royal setting 🏰 Château de Cheverny Spectacular decorations, Christmas trees, festive table, warm atmosphere Children's activities and a visit to the world of Tintin 🏰 Château de Villandry and its gardens Renaissance decorations, costumed entertainment, light shows 🏰 Château de Chenonceau Christmas floral decorations in every room, elegance and refinement Ideal for a romantic visit 🏰 Château d'Amboise Royal and historic Christmas atmosphere Workshops, nativity scenes, magnificent views over the Loire 🏰 Langeais Castle Medieval Christmas, ancient traditions and period decorations 🏰 Clos Lucé (Amboise) Leonardo da Vinci's house to discover his inventions 🧒 Bonus: Family activities Christmas markets in and around Tours. Beauval ZooPark Ice rinks, merry-go-rounds and street shows near the châteaux FUN & FAMILY VENUES The Beaumarchais Reserve (Autrèche) Safari by car or little train to observe deer, wild boar, bison and ostriches. Mini-Châteaux (Amboise) A magical visit with 41 1:25 scale models of the châteaux of the Loire. Perfect for children. The Grand Aquarium de Touraine (Lussault-sur-Loire) A fascinating aquatic world with a shark tunnel, touch pools and tropical species. FamilyParc (Sorigny) Leisure park for children: rides, water games, inflatables, various activities and shaded picnic area. Le cabri au lait" educational farm (Sepmes) Various activities are on offer for a complete immersion in a goat farm, making cheese and understanding goat nutrition... Gadawi Park (Tours North and South) Tree climbing course, suitable for all ages. Thrills guaranteed! NOT-TO-BE-MISSED CULTURAL & HISTORICAL SITES Château de Villandry Famous for its magnificent formal gardens, perfect for visiting in spring or summer. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau A Renaissance jewel set on the water, just 15 minutes from Artannes-sur-Indre. Château de Chenonceau The famous "château des dames", elegant and romantic, spanning the Cher. Château d'Amboise & Clos Lucé The royal residence and last home of Leonardo da Vinci, to be visited together. Tours Lively old town, Saint-Gatien cathedral, Musée des Beaux-Arts, gourmet markets, "guinguettes" on the Loire... Fontevraud Abbey (1h away) One of the largest abbeys in Europe, where Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart are buried. Canoeing on the Indre, Cher and Loire rivers. A number of water sports centres offer canoeing trips for all ages (Azay-le-Rideau, Bréhémont, etc.). Apéro "Bâteau" at the end of the afternoon on the Loire where you can observe this wild river and all its biodiversity. 🌟 Scénoféérie de Semblançay Programme: open-air show retracing over 2,000 years of local legend, performed by 450 actors. Timing: summers, in the grounds of the Logis de la Source in Semblançay. Special features: lively staging, strong local roots, medieval atmosphere. 🎧 Scénoféérie de Semblançay - practical details Since 1989, a theatrical show enhanced by sound effects, staged every summer. Location: Domaine de La Source, a majestic park in Semblançay.

From Tours (about 20 min / 15 km) - Take the D751 towards Chinon / Ballan-Miré - Drive through Ballan-Miré, then follow the signs for Artannes-sur-Indre - At the entrance to the village, follow the signs to Les Sens Ciel gîte From Poitiers (about 1 hour 10 minutes / 95 km) - Take the A10 towards Tours - Take exit 24.1 Monts/Sorigny - Follow the D760 then the D17 towards Monts / Artannes-sur-Indre - Once in Artannes, follow the signs to the gîte Les Sens Ciel