Family Adventure: Castles, Legends, and Coastal Wonders
2 nights in Chambord/Amboise area, 2 nights in Puy du Fou, 2 nights in Carnac, 2 nights in Brest
Discover the magic of France on a 9-day family odyssey through the Loire Valley and Brittany. This carefully crafted adventure balances history and excitement, culture and nature, offering something for every family member.
In the Loire, marvel at opulent Renaissance châteaux and pedal through verdant vineyards. Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride over a landscape dotted with fairy-tale castles. Then, journey through time at Puy du Fou, where history comes alive in spectacular shows.
Brittany beckons with its ancient mysteries and rugged beauty. Ponder the enigmatic Carnac stones, wander the mythical forest of Brocéliande, and explore the stunning Pink Granite Coast. Dive into marine wonders at Océanopolis and try your hand at coasteering for an adrenaline rush.
This journey weaves together the threads of French heritage, natural splendor, and family-friendly adventure, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chambord
Afternoon: Welcome to the Loire Valley
As you arrive in Chambord, you’re immediately transported to a world of fairy-tale castles and rich history. The magnificent Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, stands before you as a testament to the grand vision of King François I. Its distinctive French Renaissance architecture, with 440 rooms, 80 staircases, and 365 fireplaces, will captivate both adults and children alike.
Evening: Settling in and First Impressions
After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the castle grounds. The vast forests surrounding Chambord were once royal hunting grounds and are now home to diverse wildlife. As the sun sets, the castle takes on a magical glow, providing a perfect backdrop for your first dinner in the Loire Valley. Enjoy local specialties like rillettes or tarte Tatin, as you discuss the adventures that await in the coming days.
Day 2: Chambord, Blois, and Loire River Cruise
Morning: Cycling Through History
Start your day with a family-friendly bike tour around Chambord and Blois. As you pedal along scenic paths, your guide will share fascinating stories about the castles and the kings who built them. At Château de Blois, discover how this single castle showcases the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Children will be enthralled by tales of royal intrigue and the secret passageways within the castle walls.
Afternoon: Traditional Lunch and River Cruise
Enjoy lunch at a typical farmhouse, where you can savor organic, locally-sourced products. This is a chance to experience the rustic charm of French country living and taste the flavors that have made the Loire Valley famous for its cuisine.
After lunch, embark on a relaxing boat tour from Chambord to Amboise. Cruise down the Loire River in a traditional flat-bottomed boat, known as a “toue”. These boats have navigated the Loire for centuries, and your skipper will point out local wildlife and explain the important role the river has played in the region’s history and viticulture.
Evening: Amboise by Night
Arrive in Amboise as the sun begins to set. This charming town, overlooked by its own impressive castle, was a favorite residence of French kings during the Renaissance. Take an evening walk through the narrow streets of the old town, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic place. Consider trying some Loire Valley wines with dinner – the region is famous for its crisp Sauvignon Blancs and fruity Cabernet Francs.
Day 3: Azay-le-Rideau, Clos Lucé, and Balloon Adventure
Morning: Azay-le-Rideau and Leonardo da Vinci
Begin your day with a visit to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, often described as an island castle as it sits on an island in the Indre River. This Renaissance masterpiece seems to float on the water, its reflection creating a dreamlike image. Children will enjoy exploring the attics and learning about the restoration work that keeps this 500-year-old castle in pristine condition.
Next, visit Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, the whole family can engage with life-sized models of Leonardo’s inventions in the Leonardo da Vinci Park. From flying machines to military tanks, these interactive displays bring the great inventor’s ideas to life.
Afternoon: Soaring Over the Loire Valley
In the late afternoon, prepare for a truly magical experience – a hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley. As you gently rise above the landscape, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the castles, vineyards, and forests that make this region so special. This bird’s-eye view provides a unique perspective on the layout of the Renaissance gardens and the strategic positioning of the castles.
Evening: Feet Back on the Ground
After your balloon adventure, enjoy a celebratory dinner, perhaps in a troglodyte restaurant – caves carved into the soft limestone cliffs that are characteristic of the region. These unique dining venues offer a cozy, intimate atmosphere and often serve traditional Loire Valley dishes.
Day 4: Journey to Puy du Fou
Morning: Train to Nantes
Board a train to Nantes, watching the scenic Loire Valley landscape roll by. This journey takes you from the heart of castle country to the gateway of Brittany. Nantes, once the capital of Brittany, is a city that beautifully blends its medieval past with a vibrant, modern culture.
Afternoon: Arrival at Puy du Fou
From Nantes, transfer to Puy du Fou, a historical theme park that’s unlike any other. As you enter the park, you’re stepping back in time, ready to experience over 1700 years of history. Settle into your themed hotel, which might resemble a medieval castle, a Roman villa, or even an 18th-century lodge.
Evening: Cinéscénie Spectacle
As night falls, prepare to be amazed by the Cinéscénie, Puy du Fou’s famous nighttime show. This spectacular performance brings the history of the Vendée region to life with over 2,500 actors, 28,000 costumes, and incredible special effects. Watch in awe as knights charge across the massive stage, villages appear and disappear, and the night sky lights up with fireworks. This unforgettable show is a perfect introduction to the magic of Puy du Fou.
Day 5: A Day of Historical Adventures at Puy du Fou
Morning: Ancient Rome and Medieval Knights
Spend a full day exploring the wonders of Puy du Fou. Start with “The Sign of the Triumph,” a spectacular recreation of a gladiator games in a full-scale Roman coliseum. Then, travel forward in time to witness the thrilling horsemanship and jousting of medieval knights in “The Secret of the Lance.”
Afternoon: Vikings and Musketeers
After lunch in one of the park’s themed restaurants, continue your historical journey. Experience a Viking raid in “The Vikings,” complete with longships emerging from the water. Then, swashbuckle your way through “The Musketeers of Richelieu,” a cape-and-sword adventure featuring incredible stunts and special effects.
Evening: Birds of Prey and Dancing Fountains
As the day winds down, don’t miss “Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantômes” (The Dance of the Ghost Birds), where hundreds of birds of prey swoop overhead in a breathtaking display. End your night with “Les Noces de Feu” (The Wedding of Fire), a nighttime show where music, fire, and water combine in a mesmerizing performance on the lake.
Day 6: Journey to Carnac via Nantes
Morning: Departure from Puy du Fou
Bid farewell to the historical spectacles of Puy du Fou as you set out for your Breton adventure. Your journey takes you through the varied landscapes of western France, from the bocage of the Vendée to the urban center of Nantes.
Afternoon: Exploring Nantes
Arrive in Nantes for a guided visit of the city center. Discover the unique blend of history and whimsy that characterizes this city. Visit the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a impressive fortress in the heart of the city that now houses a museum detailing the history of Nantes and Brittany.
If time allows, take a ride on the Great Elephant at Les Machines de l’île, a fantastic artistic project that brings Jules Verne’s mechanical dreams to life. This 12-meter high mechanical elephant that carries passengers is sure to delight children and adults alike.
Evening: Arrival in Carnac
Continue your journey to Carnac, arriving in the evening. As you approach, you might catch a glimpse of the famous standing stones silhouetted against the twilight sky. Settle into your accommodation, perhaps enjoying a dinner of Breton galettes (savory buckwheat crepes) as you prepare for the prehistoric wonders that await.
Day 7: Carnac Stones and Brocéliande Forest
Morning: Prehistoric Marvels of Carnac
Start your day early to explore the mysterious Carnac stones. These prehistoric standing stones, or menhirs, form the largest such collection in the world. Join a guided tour designed for families, where children can learn about the theories behind these ancient monuments through interactive activities. Try your hand at moving a smaller stone using prehistoric methods, or participate in a mock archaeological dig.
Afternoon: Enchanted Brocéliande
After lunch, journey to the Forêt de Brocéliande, the legendary forest of Arthurian tales. Here, myth and nature intertwine to create a magical experience. Follow a family-friendly trail that brings the legends to life. Search for Merlin’s tomb, visit the Fountain of Youth, and listen to captivating stories of knights and fairies. Children might enjoy activities like learning to use a medieval bow or participating in a treasure hunt based on Arthurian legends.
Evening: Return to Carnac
Return to Carnac for the evening. Consider taking a sunset walk along one of Carnac’s beautiful beaches, where you can watch the interplay of light on the ancient stones in the distance.
Day 8: Journey to Brest and Pink Granite Coast
Morning: Travel to Brest and Océanopolis
Depart Carnac for Brest, home to the renowned Océanopolis. Upon arrival, dive into an underwater adventure at this world-class aquarium and ocean discovery center. Explore the polar, tropical, and temperate pavilions, each showcasing the unique marine life of these environments. Children will be fascinated by the playful seals, colorful tropical fish, and the immersive shark tunnel.
Afternoon: Pink Granite Coast Adventure
After lunch, head to the Pink Granite Coast for an exhilarating coasteering experience. Under expert guidance, older children and teenagers can explore this unique coastline through a combination of rock climbing, swimming, and cliff jumping. The pink granite formations create a stunning backdrop for this adventure, and the experience offers a unique perspective on the coastal geology.
For younger children or those preferring a less adventurous option, take a gentler coastal walk, exploring the rock pools revealed at low tide and admiring the unusual pink-hued rock formations.
Evening: Return to Brest
Return to Brest for the evening. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the marina area, perhaps trying some of Brittany’s famous seafood while watching boats come and go in the harbor.
Day 9: Brest Exploration and Departure
Morning: Last Taste of Brittany
Spend your final morning exploring more of Brest. You might visit the Château de Brest, a strategic fortress that now houses the National Navy Museum. Here, children can learn about naval history and see model ships from different eras.
If time allows, take a stroll in the beautiful Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest, home to many rare and endangered plant species.
Afternoon: Departure
Transfer to Brest airport for your flight home.
