lovely at night when the

lovely at night when the streets are twinkling, and the restaurants have a cosy glow. Chinon Leonardo da Vinci’s chapel hosts a beautiful nativity scene at Christmas royal home. The castle chapel is the last resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, a bijou intimate space where the winter sun casts rainbow shadows over the lace-like carvings, restored by the same masons who restored Notre-Dame in Paris, it is exquisite. The château gardeners create a nativity scene with the help of a professional designer and it’s a moving and beautiful display. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and you can expect a marvellous display of visual story telling at its best in this incredible, historic castle. The Chateau of Loches The Royal Fortress of Chinon has witnessed history throughout the centuries. Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen of England and wife of Henry II loved to spend Christmas here with her family in the 12th century, accounts of the day state that Henry loved a banquet! In the great hall, in 1429 Joan of Arc met the dauphin, heir apparent to the throne, and persuaded him that it was her God-given duty to ensure he was crowned Charles VII, King of France. His wife Mary of Anjou loved parrots and allowed them to fly around the castle and you’re sure to notice a few parrot-themed Christmas decorations in this truly dazzling castle during the festive season. Twinkling lights, artistic displays, and medieval grandeur - atmospheric and beautiful. Don’t miss the wonderful views from the castle, and leave time to visit the historic town. How to get there Paris to Tours in the heart of the Loire Valley takes from just 58 minutes. From here you can visit five of the châteaux by train, Villandry is the exception, though it’s easy to visit with a 20-minute uber/taxi journey from Tours (the tourist office there can help with organising a taxi). Loches The Château of Loches looms like something out of Game of Thrones, a medieval citadel with a long and rich history where Christmas has been celebrated for several hundred years. It’s one of the largest castles in the Loire Valley and was home to many kings and queens. It’s a surreal but stunning sight to see those ancient walls and rooms decorated with whimsical Christmas décor. Take a visit in the town too while you’re there, it’s especially The town of Loches is beautifully decorated for Christmas Parrots used to fly around the chateau and you might spot a tribute Practical Information The festivities take place from 29 November 2025 - 4 January 2026. Book your “Pass Noël au Pays des Châteaux” (available for 36 château combinations) to make a festive circuit of them all. Find out more about the special events, night time visits etc, accommodation, tickets and more at: tourainevaldeloire.com/en 20 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 21