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Chateau Valençay — The interiors of the chateau are historically interesting but its the garden, the small farm and the 'French maze', one that demands you solve puzzles in order to exit, that the kids will enjoy the most. Valençay is a sleepy town.
www.chateau-valencay.com

Maison de la Magic — Blois: Chateau Blois and the Maison De la Magie – discover the secrets of the great Robert Houdin. Any budding magician will enjoy this museum devoted to the great master. Three whole floors are dedicated to illusionary effects and hallucinations. Don’t miss the adventure on the third floor as it offers a wonderful sensory tour for kids and parents. Enjoy numerous short magic acts (cards etc) and a main show twice daily which was thoroughly entertaining for all ages.

Open from March to Sept. Closed from 12-2.00pm. However see website for opening times, it often changes.

Tip: Don’t miss the roaming dinosaurs who make their appearance on the balconies on the hour.
www.maisondelamagie.fr
Blois: Village centre

Troglodytes des Goupillieres — Perhaps combine this attraction with something else in the area such as the Zoo in La Fleche or the chateau in Saumur. Its an interesting insight into how French lived in these Troglodytes, many of which were created by all the holes the 'tuffeau' mining caused, these stones were mined/carved to build chateaux and other famous buildings.
www.troglodytedesgoupillieres.fr

The Circus comes to town - September Tours — Every year around the end of September the circus arrives with a lot of fanfare. Lions, Tigers, elephants clowns and magical acts, a very tradition approach to circus act. Tickets at FNAC.
Parc des Expositions Tours, ave Jacques Duclos

Chateau de Langeais — Particularly interesting for its working drawbridge and wax museum and of course history. Built in the 10th century originally as a Fortress it was then expanded by Richard 1 of England. After its destruction it was rebuilt by King Louis XI in 1461.

Don't miss the life-like characters in the wax museum staging a re-enactment of the marriage between Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany and also the dungeon. During the summer months actors roam the grounds in medieval costumes and play scenes from ‘La Mode au Moyen’.
www.chateau-du-langeais.com

Chateau de Usse - Sleeping Beauty — This is the setting for famous 'Sleeping Beauty', a must for little girls. Sleeping beauty (well a wax figure) lays asleep awaiting her Prince. Extremely busy in the summer months and the cramped viewing conditions can make it frustrating but it is worth the visit (try to go off-peak) perhaps after 4pm.
www.chaeaudusse.fr

Chateau Chambord — Spend a full day (or two) exploring the grounds of this magnificent castle and its 365 rooms. There’s an array of cafes and specialty shops in the grounds as well as elegant terrace dining. You can hire bikes, go for a paddle in the moat or perhaps a gallop around the chateau just like the royalty! Spectacular!

The night spectacle is every night in July and August and Friday and Saturday in September.
www.chambord.org

Chateau de Chaumont - Garden Festival — From late April to early October an innovative festival is held to celebrate nature and art. This combination is exhilarating. This festival is clearly becoming an international event. You start by descending into a mini-rain forest complete with the mist and ambiance which kids love; then you wonder from one themed garden to another, there are approximately 25 areas created by a different 'artist' Workshops enable kids to create their own mobiles or decorate pots and learn a little more about creating a garden. You can get by with basic french and great sign-language. But don't miss this great day out. There are restaurants and cafes or you can prepare a picnic.
2009 theme to be posted.
www.chaumont-jardin.com