Lights, decorations, shows, giant Christmas trees, markets... During the Christmas period, castles and châteaux all over France are decked out and become even more enchanting. It's a unique and magical moment that will make the eyes of young and old light up!
Paris and surroundings
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
At Vaux-le-Vicomte, near Paris, you're invited to Nicolas Fouquet's Grand Christmas. Dressed in a red velvet cape borrowed for the occasion, you can enjoy a host of activities: open fires, sumptuous productions in the state rooms, impressive projections in the Grand Salon and on the exterior of the château, illuminations in the formal gardens, a show, a treasure hunt and a horse-drawn carriage ride. There's also a ball of animals at the Musée des Equipages and a number of exceptional pieces from France's most prestigious craftsmen on display for the occasion. The Christmas spirit is very much alive.
Château de Versailles
The end of year festivities at Versailles are another reason to rejoice, but this time in small groups. At nightfall, when the Château becomes intimate again, you'll be treated to an unforgettable tour and show. In a Baroque atmosphere, dancers, singers, musicians, actors and fencers take over the rooms and lead the guests through the most beautiful rooms to a Baroque Santa Claus. Rediscover the Salon d'Hercule, the Hall of Mirrors, the Room of Rites and the Gallery of Battles. A magical royal tour with an unforgettable pyrotechnic show.
Château de Breteuil
Courtyard, gardens, facades, reception rooms... Situated in the Vallée de Chevreuse, the Château de Breteuil welcomes visitors to its enchanting setting for the festive season. Christmas trees, illuminations and festive decorations fill the interior and exterior of the castle. Visitors can admire nativity scenes from all over the world and festive tables, listen to Christmas stories and get their hands dirty making Cinderella's petticoats or Prince Charming's capes. Gourmets won't be disappointed in the Tea Room, where sweet Christmas treats await.
Château de Chantilly, in Hauts-de-France
The Château de Chantilly offers an enchanting universe for a moment of wonder at the end of the year. The park, château and stables are all lit up, while the Duke of Aumale invites you to his Christmas table in the Galerie des Cerfs. There's also a wide range of activities on offer, including a Christmas horse show, storytelling, a choir, a meeting with Father Christmas, a culinary workshop and a special mini Christmas market for gourmets...
In the Loire Valley...
Château d’Azay-Le-Rideau
A gourmet Christmas awaits, with tastings of gingerbread and homemade cider. In the rooms, large tables are set with period crockery and a huge Christmas tree is decorated with thousands of sweets. A tour led by Dame Bertille, dressed as a château cook, will even take you behind the scenes of the preparation of a festive dinner. It's sure to whet your appetite!
Château d’Amboise
Every year, the castle reveals all the secrets of Christmas from the Renaissance to the present day in the 'Christmas through the centuries' event. You can visit the splendidly decorated royal apartments. There's also a lovely Neapolitan bed in the Council Chamber, a magical exhibition, a show and a candlelit evening...
Château de Chenonceau
At Christmas, the Château's florists come up with some incredible floral creations. These include a giant fir tree (6m high) in the Grande Galerie, garlands and bouquets... You can also take part in floral workshops (wreaths, centrepieces...).
Château de Langeais
Thousands of lights: in the courtyard, on the facades, in the interiors, also enhanced by pretty plant structures. You'll also be amazed by the banqueting hall, at the foot of the great fir tree decorated with apples, just like in the old days! Finally, take a trip back to the Middle Ages and learn how to write your own calligraphy greetings card or take part in a gentle storytelling tour.
Royal Fortress of Chinon
Christmas trees everywhere, from the courtyard to the towers! There's also a brand new exhibition, entertainment and an evening event to discover the playlist of Father Christmas and his elf friends! The Château de Chinon excels at bringing Christmas myths and legends to life!
Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, in the Pays de la Loire region
At Christmas, this beautiful abbey organises shows, exhibitions, readings and snacks. The brasserie, with its Gothic vaults, is beautifully decorated. The menu includes delicious pastries from the Michelin-starred chef at Fontevraud. It's the perfect way to get a head start on the Christmas festivities.
Elsewhere in France...
Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, near Annecy in the Alps
From 2021, this castle in Haute-Savoie overlooking Lake Annecy will be renamed "Santa's Castle" to celebrate the festive season and the Christmas spirit is alive and well! Shows, entertainment, ice rink, craft market, workshops and storytelling for children, treasure hunts, parties... not forgetting the chance to meet Father Christmas. The festivities take place in a magical setting that transports visitors into an enchanted world.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, Alsace
In Alsace, the end of the year has always given rise to some amazing winter rituals. The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg brings these traditions to life with a look back at how decorations have changed over the centuries. Fir trees are decorated with apples and communion wafers, as in the Middle Ages, or with more modern blown glass balls. Wreaths and woodland creatures from the Celtic or Germanic traditions also take over the fortress. The pleasures of the table are not forgotten either, with an exhibition evoking festive tables from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. For families and children, there are many activities to get into the Christmas spirit: a meeting with Saint Nicolas, workshops to make decorations, wreaths or stained glass windows, a dramatised tour...
Castle and medieval city of Carcassonne, in the Occitanie region of France
From the bastide town of Saint-Louis to the medieval city, Carcassonne in the Occitanie region is decked out in its finest finery and putting the finishing touches to a wonderful programme to bring you the magic of Christmas. Street entertainment, amusements, concerts, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel... all set against a backdrop of lights to create a festive atmosphere that will put a smile on the faces of all visitors. But there are plenty of other events to add to the sense of wonder: shows throughout December, the Torchlight Walk and many other surprises.
Recommendations and advice Looking to recapture the spirit of Christmas? Then head to one of France's magnificent châteaux, which are pulling out all the stops to offer you a magical experience! However, to make the most of the festivities, here are a few tips: make sure you book your stay and tickets well in advance so that you can choose your timetable, accommodation and mode of transport. Don't forget to opt for eco-responsible transport solutions. In this way, you'll be helping to protect the environment, and you may even be able to get a discount on your entrance ticket. Renseignez-vous !
A lire aussi : - Voyager en France en hiver - On fête Noël dans les châteaux du Val de Loire - When the facades light up: 11 towns to see December in colour
By France.fr
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