Christmas at the Château

A dusting of festive magic is sprinkled over some of France’s most iconic châteaux.

The magic of Christmas has taken hold at Château de Chambord. With Christmas trees, Renaissance-style decorations, enchanting illuminations and musical entertainment, you can rediscover this jewel of the Loire Valley with new eyes.

Enchanting decorations and a variety of events await, starting with the tour route, which is decked out in Renaissance colours to celebrate the castle’s 500th anniversary. On the second floor, surrounding the double spiral staircase, you can discover the ‘Sapins de Genie’ exhibition of innovative Christmas trees, where visitors are invited to vote for their favourite creation.

Around the château, as night falls, you can enjoy the magical illuminations in the formal garden while the north façade glows with a thousand lights. The luckiest visitors will even be able to meet the costumed musicians and dancers of the Outre Mesure company, or attend a trumpet concert given by the Trompes de l’école de Chambord.

And if you’ve caught the castle bug you can continue your tour across the seven main châteaux in the Loire: Amboise, Azay-le- Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Langeais, Loches and Villandry as they join forces to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. To make the visit even more seamless, you can buy a pass (Chambord not included) to visit three, five, or all seven sites during the special ‘Noël au pays des châteaux‘ programme from December 2 to January 7.

Before you go, be sure to check with each venue to confirm opening hours of the ticket office, and ask about the many evening events, as each will offer a special soirée to discover their Christmas displays from sunset to 8pm.

For mpore information, visit www.chambord.org & www.touraineloirevalley.com

From France Today Magazine