Easter weekend 2026 in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley in spring is one of France’s most beautiful postcards. The châteaux emerge from their winter slumber, the gardens awaken in colour and the Sologne forests regain their greenery. For the Easter holidays, the region offers a rich, festive programme full of surprises, for children and parents alike. And to make the most of it, the Hôtel du Château in Tour-en-Sologne is ideally located at the heart of the magical triangle formed by the châteaux of Chaumont, Cheverny and Chambord.
Nestled in an authentic village just a few minutes from the Loire’s greatest sites, the Hôtel du Château is much more than a place to sleep. With its ground-floor rooms opening onto a private terrace, its leafy surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, it is a perfect base for exploring the whole region over the Easter weekend. Each morning, you set off refreshed after a generous buffet breakfast. In the afternoon, the châteaux and their festive events await you just around the corner.
The Easter Egg Hunt at Château de Villesavin
Just a few hundred metres from the hotel stands the Château de Villesavin, a discreet and charming neighbour often overshadowed by its grander siblings, Chambord and Cheverny. On 5 and 6 April, the château opens its doors from 10am to 5pm for an egg hunt in its grounds. The activity is aimed at children aged 2 to 13, no booking required, with crêpes and drinks available on site.
It is the perfect activity for an Easter Sunday with the family: spontaneous, accessible, and set against the charm of a Renaissance château nestled in a green landscape. No advance planning needed. You can walk there from the hotel.
Easter at Château de Cheverny: Decorations and Spring Tulips
Just five minutes away by car, the Château de Cheverny is one of the finest jewels of the Val de Loire. For Easter, it dresses in its finest. The gardens feature giant shapes in spring colours, while the château’s grand dining room is decorated in a festive spirit with the Easter theme carried through to the last detail.
But Cheverny in spring is above all about the tulip display. Thousands of pink and white tulips bloom at the foot of the château, creating a stunning backdrop found nowhere else in the region — the kind of scene that makes you reach for your camera and take your time.
Children can also follow the trail of Capucin, the château’s mischievous little monkey, through a colourful treasure hunt designed for the whole family.
The château is open daily from 10am. Admission prices for the château and gardens vary depending on the options chosen.
The Gardens of Chaumont-sur-Loire: A Must-See Escape at Easter
Just a few minutes from the hotel, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is an ideal visit over the Easter weekend. From spring onwards, its gardens transform into a true open-air gallery, blending contemporary landscape creations, seasonal flowers and artistic installations.
The celebrated International Garden Festival generally begins around this time, offering visitors a unique immersive experience where nature and art meet. Tulips, daffodils and original plant compositions create a perfect atmosphere for a stroll as a family or as a couple.
It is also an excellent outing to complement a château visit: less crowded than some of the major sites, Chaumont-sur-Loire wins visitors over with its poetic and inspiring character.
From the Hôtel du Château, the estate is easily reached for a half-day of discovery, ideal between two visits or after an egg hunt with the children.
A Chocolate Workshop at Max Vauché
To round off the Easter programme, the Max Vauché Chocolaterie in Bracieux, a few kilometres from Chambord, offers family chocolate-making workshops. In the chocolaterie’s atmosphere, you can try your hand at crafting your own chocolate creations, to give as gifts or hide in the garden. A fun and indulgent experience to book in advance, perfect for keeping the children busy on one of the weekend’s days.
Exploring the Area Around Tour-en-Sologne
The Loire Valley is more than just its châteaux. From the hotel, several cycling routes cross the Sologne and follow the Val de Loire vineyards. Spring is the ideal season to hop on a bike and set off to discover the small villages, ponds and forests that shape this region’s singular identity.
For hiking enthusiasts, the village of Lavardin, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, offers an Easter walking route of 5, 11 or 22 km depending on your preference; an excellent way to work up an appetite between festive meals.
And for families wishing to extend their stay, Beauval Zoo is less than 40 minutes from the hotel, a must-see stop for children.
The Hôtel du Château: Your Ideal Base for the Easter Holidays
Booking your stay at the Hôtel du Château in Tour-en-Sologne means choosing proximity to Loir-et-Cher’s finest Easter events without sacrificing peace and comfort. Rooms with private terraces, free parking, cots available, pets welcome: everything is designed so families and couples can make the most of their spring getaway.
Rooms go fast over the Easter weekend. Don’t wait — book your room directly on our website or by phone.
Booking Nature and Discovery Activities in Loir-et-Cher During the Easter Holidays
The Easter holidays are an ideal time to enjoy the return of fine weather and discover Loir-et-Cher in a new light. At this time of year, many activities resume: cycling, château visits, local markets and nature walks through the forest.
For an immersive experience, you might explore the Chambord or Cheverny estates, enjoy the first spring events, or discover unusual spots such as the troglodyte sites. The mild weather and nature coming back to life make every outing particularly pleasant.
To plan your stay, find all our activity ideas on our Val de Loire tourism blog.
To make the most of your visit, remember to book your accommodation in advance and explore all the rooms available at the Hôtel du Château.