The Loire châteaux at Christmas
Tomas k - Senior News Editor 
From the end of November to the start of January, seven of the most famous châteaux of the Loire Valley get dressed up in their Christmas finery – think gilded grandeur and garlands. If castles wore ball gowns – this is what they would look like says Janine Marsh. And if you love Christmas and all the razzmatazz from decorations to festive spirit and fabulous food and wine – the annual Loire Chateaux at Christmas festival is going to totally wow you.
The Loire châteaux at Christmas
The traditions of Christmas are celebrated in exquisite style as several of the most magnificent Loire Valley castles are richly decorated for the Noel au Pays des Château festival to look like something straight out of a fairy tale. Wind your way through the Valley of the Kings to discover seven spectacular chateaux at Christmas…
Chateau of Chenonceau at Christmas
One of the most famous castles of the Loire, Chenonceau is known as the ‘Ladies’ Château’, as it was gifted in 1547 to Diane de Poitiers by her lover, King Henri II and, after his death, taken from her by the King’s wife, Catherine de Medici. Spanning the River Cher on a series of elegant arches, surrounded by glorious gardens, it’s already a stunning monument, but for the festive season, Chenonceau pushes the boat out and every room is decorated in exquisite style.
The theme changes each year, but you can be sure that the rooms will shimmer with floral artistry, sugar ornaments, and a soupçon of magic. If you time your visit for late afternoon, as dusk falls and the light dims, the river reflects the château lights and the whole place glows like a scene from a fairy tale.
Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau at Christmas
Perched on an island in the river Indre, the +500-year-old château of Azay-le-Rideau is storybook pretty. Beautifully decked out for the season, you can expect a feast of gorgeousness. Centuries ago, feasting could last a whole day with several courses, beginning with fruit, followed by soup in pewter bowls, meat and pies, pheasant, maybe a decorated peacock or swan. Guests would bring their own knives and use their fingers, no forks in those days, wiping their hands on a tablecloth before starting on the sweet things like gingerbread and waffles. Pretty sure that those lords and ladies of yesteryear would love the display at Azay-le-Rideau.
Chateau of Villandry at Christmas
The Château of Villandry is best known for its gardens — immaculately trimmed Renaissance perfection, full of flowers from spring to autumn. But winter reveals a different kind of charm with frost-dusted parterre hedges and soft sunlight. The interior is magnificently decorated with the most beautiful floral displays, wreaths and even beds bedecked with blooms.
Hundreds of years ago, at Christmas, rich people would display their favourite and valuable objects on shelves in their hallway and to be polite, guests would need to show amazement. There’s no need to put on a show here. It is amazing.
Chateau of Amboise at Christmas
Rising high above the mighty River Loire, the château of Amboise was once a favoured 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.
Chateau of Loches at Christmas
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 lovely at night when the streets are twinkling, and the restaurants have a cosy glow.
Chateau of Chinon at Christmas
The Royal Fortress of Chinon has witnessed history throughout the centuries. Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen of England and wife of Henry II spent Christmas’s 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
Chateau de Langeais at Christmas
The iconic 15th century Langeais castle goes all our festive for Christmas, and its richly decorated rooms are decked out in sparkly splendour. It was in this fortified castle that Anne of Brittany married King Charles VIII of France in 1491 joining then separate Brittany to France. This arrangement was so important than when Charles died with no surviving heir, Anne was married to his brother Louis XII (who was married at the time and has his marriage annulled to enable their union). There’s a re-enaction of their marriage in one of the rooms of the castle. I loved the quirky festive touches at this castle, and the stunning festive displays
How to get there
I did all 7 castles in two full days by car – but I recommend three days if you can. For me the absolutely standout was Villandry, though its most famous for its gorgeous gardens, the chateau rooms were absolutely spectacularly decorated and the floral artwork at Chenonceau is utterly magical. But every castle has a different vibe and all of them put on an truly enchanting Christmas display.
Paris to Tours in the heart of the Loire Valley takes from just 58 minutes. From here you can visit six 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).
Practical Information
The festivities take place from 28 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
Book your “Pass Noël au Pays des Châteaux” (available for 3, 4, 5 6, or 7 château combinations) to take a festive circuit, and you can also book a transport pass, 2 or 3 night stay in Tours with chateau tickets via the Tours tourist office:
Find out more about the special events, night time visits, accommodation, tickets and more at: tourainevaldeloire.com/en
Where to stay:
Loche: The 4* Best Western Plus Hôtel de la Cité Royale is in the restored former Palais de Justice. With large, luxurious rooms and exceptional views over the Royal Chateau of Loches, it has a great restaurant, indoor heated swimming pool, and spa.
Near Tours: Loire Valley Lodges: An estate in a private forest of 300 hectares dotted with fabulous artworks. Each of the perched glass-walled lodges has a terrace with a private Jacuzzi, and each is uniquely decorated by a different contemporary artist. The restaurant offers Michelin style cuisine; there’s a pool, wellness centre, and it’s a detox zone (no phone signal in your lodge). A unique and wonderful place to stay.
Janine Marsh is the author of four best selling books about France, and Editor of The Good Life France.
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