around Chinon

Start your circuit around Chinon by a hidden gem: the Gizeux CastleLess well-known than the major names of the Loire Valley, this château is nonetheless well worth a visit. Its charm is evident from the very first rooms, thanks in particular to its two exceptional galleries: the François I Gallery, adorned with paintings inspired by mythology, and the Gallery of the King's Châteaux, a veritable monumental fresco of 400 m² depicting the great royal residences such as ChambordVersailles or Fontainebleau. As you visit, you will also discover 18th-century salons, testaments to the French art of living.

Au Gizeux CastleVisitors of all ages are invited to experience a historical immersion through original activities: self-guided or guided tours, storytelling or costumed walks, and even candlelight evenings! Numerous workshops designed for children—gardening, storytelling, bread oven building, or heraldry—make the visit truly fun. Something to delight the whole family and breathe new life into this historically rich site.

Start your second day by discovering the Azay-le-Rideau CastleOften described as a "faceted diamond" by Honoré de Balzac, its sumptuous interiors instantly transport you to another era. The drawing room, dominated by a magnificent neo-Renaissance fireplace, is sure to capture your attention. Afterwards, stroll through the park, reminiscent of an English garden, and be sure to... to capture in a photograph the reflection of the castle in its watery mirror.

After lunch, we headed the castle of l'IsletteA fine example of Renaissance architecture with its two imposing towers and parapet walk. Inside, each room—great hall, restored chapel, guardroom, bedrooms, and kitchen—is exquisitely decorated. The château, open to the public from May to June, is nestled in a lovely park. Enjoy the banks of the Indre River, relax on the deck chairs, or rent a rowboat for a leisurely exploration of the water. Renaissance castle Children are given pride of place, with a superb playground nestled in a verdant setting. They can also dress up as princesses or knights for a life-size visit!

For this third day, discover Ussé Castle, a true gem steeped in a thousand-year history and a famous legend: that of the the tale of Sleeping BeautyThis enchanting castle immerses you in aristocratic life through the ages, with strong ties to Vauban, Chateaubriand, Le Nôtre, and the de Blacas family who still reside there. Explore the entrance hall, the guardroom, the Vauban salon, the grand gallery, the old kitchen, the grand staircase, the king's bedchamber, the antechamber, and of course, the famous Sleeping Beauty room. A sumptuous interior that will captivate all enthusiasts of Castles of Loire.

It is said that This castle inspired Charles Perrault to create the castle of Sleeping Beauty.Today, this iconic tale comes to life thanks to a series of wax figures that animate the rampart walk.

It's time to go and explore Chinon and its royal fortressA medieval gem nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley. Overlooking the Vienne River and surrounded by vineyards, this impressive citadel is a perfect visit for all ages! Perched on a rocky spur, the castle dominates the river, the vineyards, and the town so dear to Rabelais. Its history is marked by major figures such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, Richard the Lionheart, the Dauphin Charles, Joan of Arc, and even Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar.

After the visit the royal fortress of Chinon, heading towards the Rabelais Museum Located in Seuilly, 7 km from Chinon, La Devinière is the likely birthplace of François Rabelais, the great Renaissance writer. This museum, a listed historical monument, comprises several remarkable buildings: a 15th-century manor house, a dovecote, a troglodytic dwelling, and a winemaker's house, all nestled within a park with a garden, orchard, and vineyards. The tour invites you to discover the life and work of Rabelais through rare editions, old engravings and portraits, including one signed Matisse.

20 minutes from Chinon and an hour from Tours, the Rivau Castle It immerses you in a magical world as soon as you pass through its medieval gate. Its remarkable gardens, inspired by tales such as Alice in Wonderland or Rapunzel, also house a collection of contemporary art and a conservatory of 475 award-winning rose varieties.

Finish your stay in Chinon through a visit to Richelieu MuseumDid you know that Cardinal Richelieu, a great art lover, owned one of the richest collections of paintings and sculptures of his time in his château in Touraine? A selection of these treasures is now on display in this museum. Inaugurated in 1961, the museum benefited in 2011 from a new exhibition design thanks to "Richelieu at Richelieu," which highlighted works from the now-vanished château, including six original canvases from the grand gallery of battles. Since 2018, a large-scale model has been on display at the museum, offering a detailed view of the town in the 17th century, with its park and château, as envisioned by the cardinal.