A Week in Amboise with Kids: A Magical Itinerary of Castles and Fun Activities
Amboise, a gem in the Loire Valley, is the perfect destination for a family vacation. With fairy-tale castles, delicious workshops, and animal parks, here’s a tailor-made itinerary for a Week in Amboise with Kids.
Stay at Clos Allegria, a spacious and fully equipped lodge ideal for families. Enjoy its many features: a large secure garden, foosball table, and toys for kids of all ages.
Day 1: Dive into History at Château d’Amboise and Enjoy Sweets at Bigot
Begin your stay with a visit to Château d’Amboise (a 16-minute walk from the lodge). This historic site, once home to French kings, fascinates children with its towers, ramparts, and panoramic view over the Loire River. Choose the family tour, filled with anecdotes about Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb rests in the château’s chapel.
In the afternoon, head to Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Bigot (7 minutes by bike) for a chocolate workshop. Kids love working with cocoa and taking home their creations. Finish the visit with a treat in the tearoom, famous for its macarons and éclairs.
💡 Parent tip: The château is stroller accessible, but a baby carrier is more practical for stairs.
Day 2: Safari at ZooParc de Beauval – A Day Full of Animals
Located 51 km from Clos Allegria, the ZooParc de Beauval is ranked among the most beautiful in the world and deserves a full day. Giant pandas, white lions, free-flying birds… the whole family will be amazed.
Book tickets online to avoid queues and rent a stroller at the entrance if needed.
🍽️ Good to know: Shaded picnic areas and kid-friendly restaurants like “Le Safari”, which offers children’s menus.
Day 3: Château de Chenonceau and a Traditional Boat Ride
Explore the Château de Chenonceau (15 km away), nicknamed the “Ladies’ Castle”. Spanning the Cher River, it enchants young and old alike. Don’t miss the garden maze, perfect for children.
In the afternoon, hop aboard a toue cabanée, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, for a scenic cruise on the Cher with magical views of the château.
Day 4: Clos Lucé and Hands-On Workshops on Leonardo da Vinci
Clos Lucé (25-minute walk) offers an interactive dive into Leonardo da Vinci’s world. Kids can explore working models of his inventions and join drawing or building workshops held in the gardens.
🥐 Snack break: Boulangerie Chevalier, just next door, serves delicious homemade pain au chocolat.
Day 5: Relaxing at the Lodge and Local Exploration
Take time to enjoy the family amenities at Clos Allegria:
- 🌳 Secure 2000 m² garden
- ⚽ Foosball table and board games
- 🍽️ Fully equipped kitchen (Amboise market on Friday morning)
In the evening, stroll along the Loire River (10-minute walk) and enjoy a sunset picnic.
Bonus: Our Tips for a Stress-Free Stay
🍴 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Amboise
- L’Épicerie: Kids’ menu + shaded terrace
- Brasserie de l’Hôtel de Ville: Simple dishes, fast service
👶 Child Equipment at the Lodge
- Baby crib, high chair
- Toys and books
- Foosball table in the living room
🚼 Stroller Accessibility
- Château d’Amboise: Partially accessible (baby carrier recommended)
- Chenonceau: Very accessible
- Clos Lucé: Garden accessible, château more narrow inside
🏞️ Walking distance from the lodge: Château Gaillard (28 minutes), a beautiful landscaped park.
Magical Holidays in the Loire Valley
With fairy-tale castles, fun activities, and the comfort of Clos Allegria, Amboise is a dream destination for families. This itinerary blends culture, nature, and gourmet pleasures in a safe and child-friendly setting.
🎒 Ready for the adventure? Book your stay at Clos Allegria now and create unforgettable memories in Touraine!
📌 FAQ – Directions & Practical Tips
1. When is the best time to visit Amboise with children?
Spring and early autumn: mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds.
2. Is Clos Allegria baby-friendly?
Yes: baby bed, high chair, microwave, washing machine, enclosed garden.
3. Free or low-cost activities?
- Loire riverbanks
- Amboise market (Fridays)
- Mini-Châteaux Park (15 km away)
4. Tips for visiting ZooParc de Beauval?
- Arrive at 9 a.m.
- Rent a stroller (€12)
- Bird show at 2:30 p.m.
- Picnic areas available
5. Where to eat out with the family on a budget?
- L’Épicerie (children’s menu €10)
- La Maison de Pain (takeaway)
- Gîte’s kitchen with market produce
6. Are the castles stroller-accessible?
- Amboise: partially
- Chenonceau: yes
- Clos Lucé: gardens and workshops are easy to access
7. What to do if it rains?
- Touraine Aquarium (20 min)
- Workshops at Clos Lucé
- Board games and foosball at the gîte
8. Several castles in one day?
Better to visit one per day (e.g. Chenonceau + boat ride).
9. Where to find healthy snacks?
- Boulangerie Chevalier
- Intermarché (7-minute walk)
10. How to make visits more fun?
- Activity booklets, treasure hunts
- Disposable camera
- Interactive stories
📞 Need personalized advice?
Contact Valérie & Didier from Clos Allegria for a tailored program based on your children’s ages!
👉 www.clos-allegria.com