Château Belmont The Crest Collection

With the 5-Castle Pass, embark on a magical journey to the heart of “Christmas in the land of châteaux”! Seven of the Loire Valley’s most prestigious castles—Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Langeais, Chinon, and Loches—celebrate the holiday spirit with exceptional tours, spectacular decorations, and unique activities.   The 5-Castle Pass gives you access to 5 of the 7 sites of your choice at special rates for the duration of the event. Other benefits: skip-the-line access at the castles of Azay-le-Rideau and Amboise, free admission — with no extra charge and no reservation required — to the evening opening at the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (valued at €16), as well as to all evening openings at the six other castles, the option to visit the Château de Chenonceau without reserving a specific tour time slot (subject to availability during the Christmas holidays in case of high attendance).   This Pass also gives you access to exclusive offers and benefits, including: a guided tour with a complimentary wine tasting at the Cave de Vouvray, discounts and special offers from about ten partner businesses.   On the program: each château features a unique theme and a special one-night-only opening!   •   Château of Villandry - At Christmas, nature makes its way into the château Once the doors are closed, plants and animals take over every room, creating an atmosphere that is by turns woodland-like and snow-covered, yet always warm and welcoming. Evening opening: Saturday, December 5.   •    Château of Azay-le-Rideau - The flavours of fine French patisserie Each room in the château is dedicated to a signature dish of the festive season, presented in refined, immersive and sometimes animated settings. Evening opening: Saturday, December 12.   •    Royal Château of Amboise - A Royal Christmas for the pet animals Taking advantage of the court’s temporary absence, the castle’s pets have decided to secretly organize their own Christmas celebrations in the royal residence. Evening opening: date to be announced.   •    Château of Chenonceau - Christmas and traditions around the world The castle pays tribute to customs from around the world, including Great Britain, Germany, the Americas, Iceland, and more… Evening opening: Wednesday, December 23.   •    Château of Langeais - An enchanting and musical Christmas Light, plants, textiles, paper and sound come together in an immersive experience with a delicate, contemporary narrative, interacting with the site’s collections, spaces and historical materials. Evening opening: Saturday, December 26.   •    Royal Fortress of Chinon - Christmas in Fairyland Designed as a self-guided walk, the tour gradually reveals these mysterious creatures, hidden within the scenery or moving through the heart of an enchanted forest. Evening tour: Saturday, December 19.   •    Royal City of Loches - Tales from the Royal City: Beauty and the Beast From the entrance to the royal residence, every space becomes a living scene from the story, 

Duration: 1 day - Price: €28 With the Tours City Pass, enjoy the “Calder in the Heart of France” event at castles and museums throughout Touraine, while taking in the many other must-see attractions in Tours and the surrounding area. To mark the 50th anniversary of Alexander Calder’s passing, the Ar(t]chipel festival, in partnership with the Centre-Val de Loire Region and the Centre Pompidou, is offering an exceptional program from October 15 to November 1. The Tours stops on this event are included in your Tours City Pass: Olivier Debré Center for Contemporary Art (CCC OD) in Tours: two exhibitions exploring Calder’s work and its influence on contemporary art. Tours Museum of Fine Arts: discover, in particular, his famous portraits and wire figures. Hôtel Goüin in Tours: see a monumental Calder “stable” as well as a selection of works on paper. Azay-le-Rideau Castle: admire "Reims,Croix du Sud", iconic sculptures installed in the castle’s grounds. Rivau Castle in Léméré (50 minutes from Tours), exceptionally accessible with the Pass from October 15 to November 1, 2026: discover various facets of Calder’s work through film and sculptures. Calder’s Studio in Saché, where he lived and worked for over twenty years: immerse yourself in his world and his story (free admission with reservation). That’s not all! The must-see highlights of a stay in Tours and Touraine are also included in. •    Tours Castle, •    Compagnonnage Museum, •    Natural History Museum, •    Hôtel Goüin, •    Psalette Cloister, •    Saint-Cosme Priory, •    Villandry Castle and Gardens, • Guided walking tour of Tours •    Guided tour on the city’s mini-train (April through October) •    Guided tour with wine tasting at the Cave de Vouvray •    Self-guided tour with wine tasting at La Maison Lacheteau at the Grandes Caves Saint-Roch (Rochecorbon)   Upon presentation of your Tours City Pass, you can also enjoy exclusive benefits from our partners: •    10% off canoe rentals in Vouvray •    10% off your drinks at Au Temps des Rois, Place Plumereau •    10% off at Les Fromages de Camille •    A complimentary bottle of Vouvray brut or demi-sec for two Tours City Pass holders who have booked a “From Vine to Glass” tour and tasting, a wine tasting introduction, or a wine course with Rendez-vous dans les Vignes •    €5 off the Escape Game poster, available at Cubrik in Tours •    A free coffee at La Fourchette Paysanne  

Enjoy the famous French Art de Vivre with this delightful morning including the visit of the elegant chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens. An experience you will never forget! Your passionate guide will stay with you all along sharing many anecdotes that will make you feel part of those royal days.   Program:  9:30 am: Meet us in front of the Tourist office in Tours and get on our minivan, off to the Loire Chateaux!   You will start with a visit to the Château d'Azay le Rideau, which Honoré de Balzac described as "... A faceted cut diamond set by the Indre...". A true jewel of Renaissance architecture with its straight staircase called "ramp on ramp" and its main building of exemplary order, its history mixed with royalty, conspiracies and passion will not leave you indifferent.   Your passionate guide will accompany you on all the visits and will share with you the stories of the estate.   Then, arrival at the Château de Villandry, a jewel of French heritage built during the Renaissance. Your guide will accompany you through the remarkable formal gardens of Villandry, of breathtaking beauty and delicacy. What were the codes and meaning of such gardens? All this knowledge will be yours at the end of the visit. You will admire with him the vegetable garden, the maze, the water garden... We will show you hidden corners from where you will get the best views of this remarquable site.   1:30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours