In early December, our family embarked on a memorable weekend getaway to the Loire Valley, introducing our young child to two magnificent castles—Chambord and Blois. Despite the frosty temperatures, the stunning scenery and warm family moments made it unforgettable.
On Friday evening, we departed around 8 p.m., enjoying homemade sandwiches during the two-hour drive. We stayed at L'Écu de Bretagne in charming Beaugency.
As a Logis de France property, this hotel offers 33 comfortable rooms in the heart of Beaugency. Our family room featured two spacious bathrooms and separate sleeping areas—ideal for privacy with kids. Our child was thrilled with their own double room. Rates range from €84 to €135 per night, with a heated pool available from May to September. The warm, discreet welcome was perfect, even for late arrivals.
Breakfast was abundant in a stylish modern dining room. From my experience as a frequent family traveler, I highly recommend it for its comfort and proximity to local castles.
We started with Chambord, a castle I'd visited as a child but remembered fondly for getting lost on its famous double-helix staircase. The vast parking and modern visitor center hint at its popularity, yet it was peaceful in the off-season.
A guided tour began just 10 minutes after arrival, lasting nearly two hours. Our passionate guide delivered an engaging, pedagogical narrative on the castle's rich, lesser-known history. We alternated translating key points for our child. Families will appreciate how exceptional guides elevate visits—this one was outstanding.
The kids loved it, though we huddled around rare fireplaces and heaters amid bone-chilling cold. Historically, heating the vast spaces was impossible in winter, plus summer mosquitoes were a challenge.
That evening, we dined at Téo Jasmin, a solidarity restaurant donating all profits to autism and dyslexia support projects. Simple, delicious, and meaningful—another strong recommendation. Afterward, we enjoyed bowling in Blois.
After another restful night at L'Écu de Bretagne, we headed to Blois for our second castle.
Nestled in the city center, Blois showcases evolving architecture from centuries past. The guided tour was expertly led, helping us share its story with our child despite not being history experts. We braved the cold once more.
A quick stroll through Blois' historic center followed, then homeward—with a Burger King stop in Orléans to dodge Paris traffic.
