What to do in the Loire Valley with the kids?

[chicaguapa]

We're staying at Chateau des Marais near Chambord for the Jubilee week and hoping for good weather as it's got a nice pool area. Though I think I will get together a list of other things to do in case the weather's not so good. DD is 10 & DS is 7. We're taking the bikes but aren't up to cycling for miles and miles as we're all a bit unfit.

Any recommendations of what your DC have loved in that area? Thanks.

Ooh - marking my place as we are off to Logis du Pressoir in July....

The zoo looks good, they have pandas and elephants. Really want to know if DC will find any of the chateaux interesting.

Anyone??

The châteaux are really lovely but only (IMVHO) if you have done the groundwork yourself and can explain what they are all about.

Bike riding is really easy in the Loire - pick up a free leaflet in an Information place and follow the signs along the route! They are flat and there's usually very little traffic. Plus you can also cycle in the grounds of some chateaux - Chambord included

Aside from that, several chateaux have added interest - I can't remember which, but one seems to have a garden festival with interactive exhibits each summer, there is one with huge games in the gardens, and another with a leaning tower you can go up.....

You could go kayaking on the Loire/other river - it's easy to hire a kayak and life-jackets, etc.

Can you tell we've been a few times?!

It's a fifty minute drive but the Leonardo da Vinci house/museum in Clos Luce is amazing. Here is a link to the gardens which have giant interactive models of his inventions that you can play with. Great fun for everyone. I was sixteen when I went with my (old) Dad and we had a blast - there were lots of families there of all ages.

Thanks. Think kayaking on the river sounds promising. As does Da Vinci's place as we have just been to Paris so DC know who he is.