Noël Royal dans les châteaux

Château de Blois December 6 - January 5

From December 6, the courtyard and terrace of the Foix, the staircase of the Gaston d’Orléans wing and the Salle des États will be the setting for a large-scale, magical and colorful installation imagined by Eness*. For Blois, the renowned Australian art and technology studio is proposing a complete re-reading of its work Modern Guru and the Path to Artificial Happiness, adapted to the majesty of the site and the unique architecture of the château. A colorful forest, a stroll through luminous mountains whose LED eyes come alive as the public passes by, a labyrinth of fireflies : contemporary inflatable installations, made up of volumes and ultra-colorful lights, transport visitors into a dreamlike world populated by endearing and grandiose characters, right up to the Modern Guru: an imaginary being who delivers his good word, making visitors think about the path that leads to happiness! Art, technology, artificial intelligence, culture and creation, the environmental footprint: between interactions and questions, the installations are reminiscent of Myazaki’s films, at once carrying profound themes and “subtitled” with philosophical messages!

The House of Magic

Opposite the château, the Maison de la Magie has also chosen light and illusion to transcend the Grand Théâtre and… the spirits! Divinatory mentalism, light shows, manipulations: welcome to the unreal and the fantastic!

• Saturday November 30: Drôle de Magie by Gilles Arthur
• December 13 to 19, at Théâtre Peskine: Les Clairvoyantes by Compagnie Yvonne III

Place du château Blois: large Christmas village with crafts and delicacies. Large antique merry-go-round.

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire November 30 to January 12

For the first time, the magic of the Domaine and the end-of-year festivities are accompanied by a new tour entitled “Dreams of yesteryear”, immersing visitors in the preparations of Christmas Eve during the era of Prince and Princess de Broglie, the estate’s last private owners (late 19th/early 20th century). During the Belle Époque, the avant-garde refinement of their receptions attracted the greatest personalities from the courts of Europe and beyond, including the Shah of Persia and Indian maharajas. Inspired by Le Carnet d’une femme de chambre, discovered on site during the winter of 2001-2002, and in the spirit of the Downton Abbey series, this immersive tour departs from the stables, where the guests are given the opportunity to explore the castle.The tour begins in the stables, where the arrival of the guests of honor brings to life the excitement of those memorable festivities. The tour continues in the castle’s most unusual rooms, illuminated for the occasion, including the prince’s study, the governess’ study, the servants’ pantry, the kitchens and the bedroom of Robert and Marguerite, two of the princely couple’s children.

• For children aged 5 to 13, story readings are organized on the weekends of December 7 and 8, December 14 and 15 and every day during the school vacations from Saturday, December 21, 2024 to Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2.30pm to 5pm at the Château.
• For children aged 8 to 14, a treasure hunt is also available, “Robert and Marguerite’s Christmas at the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire”.

• Guided tour “Dreams of yesteryear”: 1h30 / Price: 5

Château de Cheverny December 1 - January 12

Christmas at Château de Cheverny is more than a tradition: it’s been an institution for nearly 30 years! Giant illuminations in all the gardens, every room in the château carefully decorated, a forest of sweets in the trophy room, an enchanted horse-drawn carriage… ! And let’s not forget the façade, lit up in Christmas colors as soon as night falls! This year, new decorations inside the château will transport you into a gourmet Christmas atmosphere, like the Christmas table in the grand dining room, whose parquet floor has just been restored. Not forgetting the trophy room, with its superb painting. And let’s not forget the aisle of giant gingerbread men and colorful mugs that will guide you to the Orangerie, where you can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate, the house specialty. The Orangerie will be open on the weekend of December 7 and 8 and during the school vacations. On December 14 and 15, the kiosk next to the Orangerie will be serving takeaway food, chocolate and mulled wine.

Chambord Castle November 30 - January 5

The château and its gardens will be illuminated on the theme of “the enchantment of the stars”. From the second floor to the furnished apartments, via the entrance porch, the famous double staircase and the chapel, the visit will be sublimely illuminated. Star-spangled panels and gold and fir garlands magnify the entrance and façade. The decorations in the crosspieces evoke festive tables. The halls, cabinets and antechambers are adorned with garlands of eternal roses, fir trees and cascades of plants. The first-floor gallery and chapel are decorated with trees of light and ornate medallions.