The Loire Valley in France is an enchanting region where families can enjoy much more than its majestic châteaux, wineries, landscapes, picturesque towns and delicious local food.
It offers a perfect blend of history, beauty, and endless fun for the whole family. Forget the idea that it’s just for adults – with a little planning, you can unlock a world of adventure that will captivate both little ones and grown-ups alike.
Why the Loire Valley for Families?
The Loire Valley isn’t just about romantic history; it’s genuinely kid-friendly. Its vast castle grounds offer ample space for children to run and explore, while many sites now feature interactive exhibits designed to engage younger minds.
The region’s natural beauty, with its gentle rivers and lush landscapes, provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both cultural immersion and active fun.
There are plenty of options for children, and even the wine tastings are kid-friendly.
Kid-Approved Castles
Château du Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci’s home)
Château du Clos Lucé was our favourite castle by far and is a must-visit. The palace has known several famous owners such as the French king Charles VIII and Leonardo da Vinci.
It is located in the centre of Amboise, so quite convenient if you decide to stay in the town. It is 500 metres from the royal Château d’Amboise, to which it is connected by an underground passageway.
You can explore the rooms where Leonardo lived and worked, but the real highlight for children is the park filled with giant, working models of his inventions. Kids can pull levers, turn cranks, and truly interact with history, bringing Da Vinci’s genius to life. There is also plenty of space for picnics, both in the shade and enjoying the sun.
There is also a playground, a restaurant and much more.
Château de Chenonceau
Château de Chenonceau is the most iconic, stunning and popular. But for sure less “interactive” than Clos Lucé.
Their grandeur and historical significance are still captivating. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river. The image of the river and its bridge is the protagonist of most postcards and pictures in the Loirle Valley.
There are plenty of green spaces for a picnic, a cafe and a restaurant. But besides a natural maze and its garden, there is not much for children as in Clos Luce.
Château de Villandry
Château de Villandry is also a highlight for families, captivating visitors not just with its beautiful architecture but primarily with its extraordinary gardens.
Unlike many other châteaux that focus purely on interior displays, Villandry’s true magic lies in its vast and meticulously manicured outdoor spaces. Children will delight in exploring the intricate mazes, getting lost amidst the tall hedges, and the vegetable gardens.
Château de Cheverny
Château de Cheverny offers a different engaging experience for families. While it boasts elegant interiors and impressive furnishings, its most memorable attractions for many visitors are its famous dog kennels and its unexpected link to a beloved comic character.
Children and adults are often fascinated by the sight of hundreds of hunting dogs that reside on the estate, with the daily feeding time being a particular highlight (be sure to check the schedule!). Beyond the hounds, Cheverny is widely recognised as the inspiration for the Tintin comics.
More Than Castles: Family Activities in the Loire Valley
Cycling Along the Loire
One of the most delightful ways to experience the Loire Valley with your family is by cycling along the Loire à Vélo route. This extensive network of well-maintained, mostly flat paths stretches for hundreds of kilometres, making it incredibly accessible for cyclists of all ages and abilities, including those with younger children.
You can easily rent bikes in many towns, often with options for child seats, trailers, or even tag-alongs, ensuring everyone can participate. Pedalling at your own pace, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery, from vineyards and sunflower fields to charming riverside villages and stunning views of the châteaux from a unique perspective. It’s a fantastic opportunity to combine gentle exercise with sightseeing, allowing the kids to burn off energy while soaking in the beauty of the region.
ZooParc de Beauval: A World-Class Wildlife Adventure
A visit to the ZooParc de Beauval promises an unforgettable day for animal-loving families, consistently ranking among the top zoos in the world. Located within easy driving distance of many Loire Valley towns, this sprawling park is renowned for its incredible diversity of species and its significant conservation efforts.
The star attractions for many are the giant pandas, a rare and delightful sight, but you’ll also encounter majestic big cats, graceful giraffes, playful primates, and a vast array of exotic birds. The enclosures are designed to mimic natural habitats, providing excellent viewing opportunities and creating a truly immersive experience that will captivate children and adults alike.
Safari Train – Réserve de Beaumarchais
For a unique and exciting animal encounter different from a traditional zoo, the Safari Train at Réserve de Beaumarchais offers a charming experience. This wildlife reserve, nestled in the Loire Valley countryside, allows families to get up close with a variety of animals, often in a more natural, semi-wild setting. The highlight is the guided train ride that takes you directly through the enclosures, giving you fantastic views of herds of deer, wild boar, ostriches, and other fascinating creatures roaming freely. It’s an immersive way for children to observe animals in a spacious environment, sometimes even seeing them interact with the train.
This experience provides a delightful contrast to the historical visits to the châteaux. It’s a chance for kids to stretch their legs and engage with nature in a less formal, more spontaneous way. The safari train offers a relaxed pace, making it suitable for all ages, and the thrill of seeing animals up close in a reserve setting creates lasting memories. It’s a perfect addition to a family itinerary for those looking for an engaging outdoor activity that blends adventure with wildlife observation.
Wine Tastings & Caves
While the Loire Valley is globally renowned for its exquisite wines, the idea of “wine tasting” might not immediately sound like a kid-friendly activity. However, many vineyards and producers in the region offer experiences that can surprisingly engage the whole family.
Beyond the traditional tasting room, numerous wineries are built into fascinating troglodyte caves – ancient, hand-carved tunnels that served various purposes over centuries. Exploring these cool, dimly lit underground labyrinths is an adventure in itself, often filled with intriguing historical details about their use as dwellings, mushroom farms, or even medieval hideouts.
For the actual wine tasting, many family-friendly wineries understand that not everyone in the party will be sipping. While adults enjoy sampling the local Sauvignon Blancs, Cabernet Francs, or sparkling Crémants, children can often be offered grape juice from the same vineyards, allowing them to participate in the “tasting” experience. Some larger estates may even have play areas, animals, or short, marked trails through the vineyards where kids can stretch their legs while parents learn about the winemaking process.
Our favourite was Monmousseau, which is highly recommended and surprisingly engaging for families. This prestigious winery is housed within an impressive 15-kilometre labyrinth of ancient tufa stone tunnels, originally quarried to build many of the famous Loire Valley châteaux. I would also recommend trying their white wine, Touraine Chenonceaux.
If you are on a budget, you should visit Plou Et Fils, who offer free visits and tastings. Nice people and wine.
Where to Stay in the Loire Valley
Choosing the right accommodation is key to a successful family trip in the Loire Valley. For maximum flexibility and comfort, gîtes or self-catering vacation rentals are often the top choice. These provide ample space for families, separate bedrooms, and crucially, a kitchen, allowing you to prepare meals, save on dining out, and accommodate picky eaters or specific dietary needs.
Alternatively, numerous family-friendly hotels can be found throughout the region, often featuring amenities like swimming pools (a huge bonus for kids after a day of sightseeing!), gardens, or connecting rooms. When deciding on your base, consider a central town like Amboise or Tours.
Amboise is fantastic for its proximity to multiple major châteaux and a lovely riverside setting, while Tours offers more urban amenities and excellent train connections if you plan to use public transport for part of your trip. Whichever you choose, having a comfortable “home base” will make your Loire Valley adventures much smoother.
We stayed in Amboise, and we think it was a great choice. It was a B&B called Le chemin de la Loire. Comfortable room, good-sized pool and garden, organic food sourced from its own farm. Its host Clarisse was exceptional, even cooking without salt for our little one.
More Pictures
