fun things to do with kids in the loire france    
  Travel for Kids
  | The Loire
     
    Chenonceaux and Montrichard
Chateau Chenonceau
  Chateau de Chenonceau (Chenonceaux) This magnificent chateau has a long and dramatic entrance, flanked on either side by formal gardens. Henri II gave the chateau to Diane de Poitiers in 1547. Diane laid out a marvelous Italian garden (the garden on the left as you're walking up), but when Henri II died, the Queen, Catherine de' Medici took over and made her own garden (the garden on the right).
      After you've toured the chateau, there's a waxworks museum, maze to explore and woods along the river.
      You can also hire boats and go boating on the Cher River.
      In the evening, there is a Sound and Light show.
    Castle Keep (Montrichard) Just up the river, Montrichard has wonderful crumbly 11th century donjon, a several-storied stone castle that overlooks the city. Run up and down the ruins there's a great view from the top. In summer, there are re-enactments of historic battles. Don't miss the Musee Ethnique, with waxwork figures in medieval costumes.
      Along the Cher river, relax in the leisure park (parc de loisirs) where you can go pedal boating and play miniature golf. Or, rent canoes or kayaks to paddle on the river. In July and August, there are excursion boat rides also.
travel for kids | france | the loire | chenonceaux