Visiting the Loire Valley in January

There are some advantages to visiting the Loire Valley in the winter. No crowds at the chateaux, for one, except during the school holidays (Christmas to New Year and two weeks in February). All the big name chateaux remain open throughout the year, and if you come in January you could have these places virtually to yourself. Think of the opportunities for fabulous photos! You can take them yourself, we can take them on your camera/phone or we can arrange for a professional photographer to meet us as part of your tour. Let us know what you'd like to do.

 

A Top Tip for Getting the Best from a Guided Tour

 If someone in your group has mobility issues, please discuss what they can and can't do before settling on an itinerary with a guide. All chateaux have quite a few stairs and it is usually a 15 minute walk from the car park to the front door. I can still remember when I first moved to Europe from Australia more than 20 years ago what a shock the number of stairs in general there are here. Let your guide know if someone in your group will need frequent rest stops or will move slowly. That way the guide can suggest strategies for seeing the highlights and making sure everyone has a great visitor experience. Most guides are flexible about how they present tours, but it is always better if they are forewarned about issues that may require this skill.

17th century staircase in Loches.

The Neapolitan Nativity Scene at the Chateau Royal d'Amboise

Every year the Chateau Royal d'Amboise brings its impressive Neapolitan nativity scene out of storage and displays it in the Great Hall. 

Traditionally the setting up of these nativity scenes begins on 30 November, and is finished by 8 December. The background for the Holy Family is typically a ruined temple in which the stable is housed, with beautiful angels flying above. The peasants are dressed in Neapolitan and Sicilian regional costumes. In the really expensive sets the jewels adorning the Kings and their entourage are real. The 'oriental' band is also a typical feature.