Christmas in the Loire Valley: a blend of history and fine dining | Blois Chambord

The programme of the holiday

DAY 1

12.30 pm

LUNCH AT THE CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE ESTATE

At the end of the year, the château takes on the air of a bygone era. Life in a 19th-century château, just as the Princes of Broglie once lived it. Sumptuous festive decorations are laid out in every room, designed to take even the most distinguished guests’ breath away.

On the menu

A three-course menu including a glass of wine and coffee.

The workshop commissioned François-Xavier Bogard, a culinary creator, to devise a menu in keeping with the theme of the International Garden Festival.

2.15 pm

GUIDED TOUR OF CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE CASTLE

Go behind the scenes to see the preparations for Christmas Eve. Set off on a unique tour to discover the castle’s most unusual rooms, now adorned with festive lights. From the castle’s festive decorations to the stables…

4.30 pm

TOUR OF THE CONFECTIONERY MUSEUM IN AMBOISE

Nougat, calissons, pralines, berlingots, toffees, sugared almonds, pastilles… a true sugar wizard, Nicolas Viollet has created a kingdom of sweet treats on the banks of the Loire. It’s even a family tradition, as his father and grandfather were already in the trade. The icing on the cake is that the making of the sweets is followed by a tasting of the treats whilst they’re still warm.

6.30 pm

CHECK-IN AT A COMFORT-CLASS HOTEL
DINNER AT THE RESTAURANT

A quarter of a bottle of wine & coffee

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CONSERVATOIRE DE LA CONFISERIE

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Joelklinger.photography

DAY 2

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

10.00

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE ROYAL CASTLE OF AMBOISE

Resembling a fortress overlooking the Loire, this château boasts not only a history stretching back several centuries but also architecture in the Flamboyant Gothic style. The interiors house a superb collection of furniture, whilst the grounds allow you to explore not only the chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, but also two keep towers and gardens that invite you to relax.

12.00

LUNCH AT L’AUBERGE LE PRIEURÉ

With Sieur Sausin, an expert in historical cuisine, the service is provided in Renaissance costume.

On the menu

Flan with garden herbs
***
Confit chicken with fine Amboise wine and clove-flavoured carrot purée or
Salmon aumônière with basil and julienned trédura leeks
***
Pear with bitter orange and island vanilla or
Pineapple compote with Jamaican pepper, served with a butter biscuit

2.00 pm

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE CHÂTEAU DU CLOS LUCÉ IN AMBOISE

On the theme of ‘Christmas Magic’: Set designer Marjolaine Bougrier Vaucelles transforms
the château into a magical setting with her floral creations. A large Christmas tree lights up the reception room, the fireplaces are crackling, and the tables are laden with old-fashioned treats – a real feast for the eyes.

4.00 pm

CHRISTMAS TEA AT THE AUBERGE DU PRIEURÉ

Hot hypocras wine
***
Tea, hot chocolate or orange juice
***
Cinnamon butter biscuits and panettone

Period of validity

Christmas celebrations 2027

From€294per person

COMFORT HOTEL

Price based on 25 people
Free for the driver
Children under 10: €157

The price includes

Accommodation on a half-board basis (a quarter of a bottle of wine and coffee) in a ‘comfort’ category hotel, based on double occupancy
Admission and a guided tour of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Admission to the confectionery shop and a tasting
Lunch at the Chaumont-sur-Loire estate, including 1 glass of wine and coffee
Admission and self-guided tour of Amboise Castle and the Clos Lucé
Lunch at the Clos Lucé, a quarter of a glass of wine and coffee
Christmas afternoon tea at the Prieuré du Clos Lucé
Tourist tax

The price does not include