lovely at night when the

lovely at night when the streets are twinkling,and the restaurants have a cosy glow.ChinonLeonardo da Vinci’s chapel hosts a beautiful nativityscene at Christmasroyal home. The castle chapel is the lastresting place of Leonardo da Vinci, a bijouintimate space where the winter sun castsrainbow shadows over the lace-like carvings,restored by the same masons who restoredNotre-Dame in Paris, it is exquisite. Thechâteau gardeners create a nativity scenewith the help of a professional designer and it’sa moving and beautiful display. The rooms arebeautifully decorated, and you can expect amarvellous display of visual story telling at itsbest in this incredible, historic castle.The Chateau of LochesThe Royal Fortress of Chinon has witnessedhistory throughout the centuries. Eleanor ofAquitaine, the queen of England and wife ofHenry II loved to spend Christmas here withher family in the 12th century, accounts ofthe day state that Henry loved a banquet! Inthe great hall, in 1429 Joan of Arc met thedauphin, heir apparent to the throne, andpersuaded him that it was her God-given dutyto ensure he was crowned Charles VII, King ofFrance. His wife Mary of Anjou loved parrotsand allowed them to fly around the castle andyou’re sure to notice a few parrot-themedChristmas decorations in this truly dazzlingcastle during the festive season. Twinklinglights, artistic displays, and medieval grandeur– atmospheric and beautiful. Don’t miss thewonderful views from the castle, and leavetime to visit the historic town.How to get thereParis to Tours in the heart of the Loire Valleytakes from just 58 minutes. From hereyou can visit five of the châteaux by train,Villandry is the exception, though it’s easy tovisit with a 20-minute uber/taxi journey fromTours (the tourist office there can help withorganising a taxi).LochesThe Château of Loches looms like somethingout of Game of Thrones, a medieval citadelwith a long and rich history where Christmashas been celebrated for several hundredyears. It’s one of the largest castles in theLoire Valley and was home to many kings andqueens. It’s a surreal but stunning sight to seethose ancient walls and rooms decorated withwhimsical Christmas décor. Take a visit in thetown too while you’re there, it’s especiallyThe town of Loches is beautifully decorated for ChristmasParrots used to fly around the chateau and you might spot a tributePractical InformationThe festivities take place from 29 November2025 – 4 January 2026.Book your “Pass Noël au Pays des Châteaux”(available for 36 château combinations) tomake a festive circuit of them all.Find out more about the special events, nighttime visits etc, accommodation, tickets andmore at: tourainevaldeloire.com/en20 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 21