Loire Valley Christmas: Castles & Holiday Magic | France Travel

The gallery at Château de Chenonceau, in France’s Loire Valley, evokes a silent astonishment in visitors, with a 60-meter ballroom transformed for the festive season.

A Loire Valley Castle’s Stunning Christmas Display

For nine years, a unique itinerary has brought holiday cheer to six of the Loire Valley’s thousand “castles.”

• The Château de Chenonceau, a historic landmark in the Loire Valley, is currently adorned for a special Christmas display.
• guide Etienne intentionally refrains from comment, preferring to observe visitors’ reactions to the transformed ballroom.
• The “Christmas in the country of castles” itinerary features six castles decorated for the holidays.
• The gallery, originally a bridge over the River Cher, was transformed into a ballroom by Catherine de Medici.

the warning comes from guide Etienne, who smiles when he tells us: “About the room we’re going to see next, I’m not going to make any comments. I want to see your reactions.” The neck leans back, the mouth opens and the instinct is to stand still and just watch and try to absorb everything. The dozens of visitors momentarily suspend their conversations.

The room in question is the gallery of Château de Chenonceau, in the French Loire Valley. This isn’t just any room; it’s a bridge over the River cher, ingeniously transformed into a ballroom by Catherine de Medici. The sheer scale and beauty of the space, decorated for the “Christmas in the country of castles,” is breathtaking.

Did you know? – Catherine de Medici, a 16th-century French queen, commissioned the transformation of the Chenonceau gallery into a ballroom. She envisioned a space that blended architecture with the natural beauty of the River Cher.

This loire Valley Tourism itinerary, now in its ninth year, unites six of the region’s nearly one thousand castles – a term for smaller country palaces – in a dazzling display of festive décor. The experience offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and architectural splendor, all while embracing the magic of the holiday season.

Why is this happening? The Loire Valley Tourism board initiated the “Christmas in the Country of Castles” itinerary in 2015 to boost tourism during the off-season and showcase the region’s cultural heritage. Who is involved? Six châteaux participate: Château de Chenonceau,Château de Chambord,Château de Cheverny,Château d’Amboise,Château de Villandry,and château d’Azay-le-Rideau. What is being done? Each château is uniquely decorated for Christmas, offering visitors a festive and historical experience. How did it begin? The idea stemmed from a desire to extend the tourist season beyond the summer months and highlight the Loire Valley’s architectural treasures. The event continues annually, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Pro tip – To fully experience the “christmas in the Country of Castles” itinerary, consider purchasing a combined ticket. This offers savings and allows access to all six participating châteaux. Book accommodations in advance, as the region is popular during the holiday season.