Large pieces adorned with garlands, a tree compiling 2,000 sparkling decorations … For three weeks, great Loire Valley châteaux have been decorated and welcome the public in the spirit of the holidays. Amboise, Chenonceau, Chinon, Langeais, Loches, Villandry, and Azay-le-Rideau are participating in the 5th edition until Sunday January 2.
A night to enjoy the lights
Normally, the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau already looks like a fairy tale: but between the trees and the lights, the little eyes of 12-year-old Louise are amazed. “There is a lot of red, lights, beautiful decorations … the castle looks magical at nightfall “. Accompanied by her grandparents from Saumur, this is the first time that Louise has visited a Loire castle.
Between the pines stand large tables furnished with painted and sculpted papier-mâché food. A decoration on the theme of gluttony, as explained by Jacques-Buisson-Catil, administrator of the castle. “We have arranged dishes and dishes that are more real than life to recall the holiday atmosphere. There are also beautiful sculptures of pastries, sometimes higher than the people who are looking at them!”
These sculptures are a tribute to Antonin Carême, nicknamed “the king of pastry chefs, and pastry chef of kings” in the 19th century. These large works represent the work of sponge cake, chocolate and candied fruit.
A boon to attract visitors
For this fifth edition, the castle hopes to attract at least 20,000 visitors, mainly from Indre-et-Loire. The sites have each chosen a night date, to be found below.
– Royal Château d’Amboise: Monday December 27 (until 8 p.m. / admission until 7 p.m.)
– Château de Villandry: Tuesday December 28 (until 8 p.m.)
– Royal city of Loches: Wednesday, December 29 (until 9 p.m.)
– Château de Langeais: Thursday, December 30 (until 8 p.m.).