The ultimate guide to Easter egg hunts in 2026: experience Easter at the heart of history

The Château de Cheverny is a French Loire Valley château located in Sologne, in the commune of Cheverny, in the Loir-et-Cher department and the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is one of the most visited Loire Valley châteaux, along with Blois and Chambord.

From an architectural standpoint, the Château de Langeais presents a fascinating duality, marking the transition between two eras. Built in one go by Louis XI in 1465, its town-facing side displays all the characteristics of a formidable medieval fortress: imposing circular towers, machicolations, and one of the last remaining working chain drawbridges in France. Conversely, its inner façade opens onto the courtyard with large mullioned windows, already hinting at the comfort and elegance of the Renaissance. The grounds also contain the remains of Fulk Nerra's keep, built around the year 1000, considered one of the oldest surviving examples of stone fortification. Historically, the castle became legendary as the site of the marriage of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII in 1491. This union, celebrated in secret at dawn to avoid political opposition, is a pivotal event in French history, as it sealed the annexation of the Duchy of Brittany to the kingdom. Today, its main tourist attraction lies in the exceptional richness of its interior furnishings. Unlike many of the more austere Loire Valley châteaux, Langeais boasts a remarkable collection of 15th- and 16th-century tapestries and carved furniture, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life and splendor of late medieval aristocracy.

Plessis-Bourré is a masterpiece of balance, situated at the perfect transition between a medieval fortress and a Renaissance palace. Built in just five years (1468-1473) by Jean Bourré, Louis XI's chief financier, it seems to float on its vast moat. Its defensive system is complete, with four corner towers and a double drawbridge still in working order, while its interior façades already hint at the refinement of the Renaissance. The castle's fame also stems from its alchemical ceiling: the wooden coffers of the guardroom are painted with mysterious symbols and satirical scenes. This "book of stone and wood" continues to fascinate historians of esotericism. The castle has also served as a natural backdrop for numerous cult films, such as Jacques Demy's Donkey Skin and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The Château de Meung-sur-Loire, nicknamed the "Château with Two Faces," is one of the largest and oldest châteaux in the Loire Valley. A former prestigious residence of the Bishops of Orléans, it boasts a fascinating architecture that reflects its eventful history: on one side, a defensive medieval façade with its imposing 13th-century towers, and on the other, an elegant 18th-century classical façade, reflecting its transformation into a pleasure residence. Inside, the visit is distinguished by its lively and immersive atmosphere. Unlike other châteaux that can sometimes feel a bit static, Meung-sur-Loire invites visitors to explore daily life through the ages, from the sumptuous reception rooms to the kitchens equipped with an impressive collection of period objects. The highlight of the visit remains its dungeons, which served as a prison and where, notably, the poet François Villon was incarcerated, offering a striking contrast to the luxury of the upper floors.

Here's a suggestion for the Château d'Ussé, the most enchanting of the Loire Valley châteaux, with its undeniable cinematic flair. Château d'Ussé: A waking dream in the land of fairy tales Nicknamed the "Sleeping Beauty Castle," Ussé seems straight out of a medieval illustration with its white towers, pepperpot roofs, and ornate dormer windows. It was here that Charles Perrault, captivated by the romantic silhouette of the estate bordering the Indre River, is said to have imagined his famous tale. Between its terraced gardens designed by Le Nôtre and its interiors filled with treasures, the château invites you to a timeless stroll. But don't be fooled by its fairytale charm: the estate possesses a strong character that has captivated adventure filmmakers. Fans of Jean-Paul Belmondo will remember that the castle and its surroundings served as the backdrop for the film "Scoumoune," where "Bébel's" charisma contrasted sharply with the timeless elegance of the ancient stones. Today, visitors stroll along the ramparts, encountering scenes from Perrault's fairy tale while admiring the exquisite details of a monument that has withstood the test of time without losing an ounce of its magic. A must-see for dreamers and action enthusiasts alike.

The Fairytale Castle in Touraine Located in Lémeré, in the heart of the Loire Valley, the Château du Rivau is a unique destination that seems straight out of a picture book. This former medieval fortress, linked to the story of Joan of Arc who came here to find warhorses in 1429, surprises with its hybrid architecture: proud drawbridges and machicolations protecting an elegant Renaissance residence. This privately owned castle, lovingly restored, is now famous for its 15 listed remarkable gardens, where contemporary art meets botany in a dreamlike and enchanting atmosphere. The castle's interior is equally captivating, blending period furniture with surprising contemporary art exhibitions. Each room tells a story, often linked to themes of fantasy or nature. But it's outside that the magic truly happens: between the "Gargantua's Vegetable Garden," the "Running Forest," and "Alice's Labyrinth," the estate invites you on a fantastical stroll. It's an essential part of Indre-et-Loire's heritage, offering a poetic and playful alternative to the more traditional Loire Valley châteaux.

As it stands today, with its four façades, each in a different style, the Château du Lude is a living testament to the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. It is one of the last great Loire Valley châteaux still inhabited by a family, whose generations have succeeded one another for over 250 years. AN EXEMPLARY FORTIFIED CASTLE The origins of Le Lude date back to the 10th century. A vast fortress, erected on the banks of the Loir River, succeeded the feudal motte. Its construction spanned the 13th to the 15th centuries. From the Middle Ages, we still have the imposing towers, the wide dry moats, the vaulted underground passages, and the defensive masonry spur. The complex covers half a hectare, and the walls are over 10 meters thick at their base. This was a time of rivalries between the great feudal lords, followed by conflicts with the English during the Hundred Years' War. The gardens, shaped by the estate's various owners, served as the setting for a sound and light show that brought fame to Le Lude for nearly forty years. Since the early 2000s, they have hosted several events, such as the Gardeners' Festival, during which the P.-J.-Redouté Prize is awarded. The Château du Lude holds the "Remarkable Garden" label.

Home to the Dukes of Brissac, the tallest château in France rises with its monumental façades from its vast landscaped park. With seven stories and 204 rooms, this monument truly deserves its nickname, "Giant of the Loire Valley." Acquired in 1502 by René de Cossé, the first Lord of Brissac, it is now the residence of the 13th Duke of Brissac. It remains open to visitors, offering so much to admire: its 16th-century chapel and Belle Époque theater, its dazzling décor featuring gilded ceilings, tapestries, and precious furnishings. Its park offers beautiful viewpoints shaded by centuries-old trees.

A Journey to the Heart of the Middle Ages A true jewel of French heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval town of Provins transports its visitors back to the 12th century, to the time of the famous Champagne Fairs. Passing through its imposing fortified gates, you discover a picture-perfect setting: spectacular ramparts stretching for over a kilometer, picturesque cobbled streets, and half-timbered houses that tell the story of centuries of commercial and military history. The experience doesn't end with a simple stroll. The upper town is dominated by the majestic Caesar's Tower, the only octagonal keep with a square base, offering a unique panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Between visiting the mysterious underground passages and exploring the Tithe Barn, Provins is a must-see destination for architecture enthusiasts and families seeking a historical escape just an hour from Paris.

Nicknamed the Castle of Margaret of Burgundy, the Château de Couches is a medieval gem nestled in the heart of the Burgundy vineyards. This fortress, built on a rocky outcrop, immediately impresses with its imposing feudal silhouette, dominated by a massive 12th-century keep. The site is famous for the legend surrounding Margaret of Burgundy who, according to local tradition, secretly spent her final days here rather than dying at Château-Gaillard. The appeal of the visit lies in the architectural diversity of the estate: you move from the austere military style of the towers and underground passages to the elegance of the Flamboyant Gothic chapel, adorned with exquisitely sculpted decorations. Between the ramparts, the drawbridge, and the formal French gardens, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Burgundy, while remaining on a human scale and welcoming, inviting visitors to stroll and explore at their leisure.