The Night of the Castles 2026 in Touraine
The "Nuit des Châteaux" (Night of the Castles) returns for a new edition from October 16 to 18, 2026.
In Touraine, the event offers a chance to discover the Loire Valley’s heritage in a unique nighttime atmosphere.
Experience these iconic monuments in a whole new way through guided tours, illuminations, and immersive activities.
Organized nationwide, the Nuit des Châteaux spotlights dozens of fortresses across the Loire Valley a region designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Once night falls, the castles of Touraine reveal a different side of their architecture.
Lighting highlights the facades, courtyards, gardens, and sculpted details that might be less noticeable during the day.
You can enjoy night trails, themed tours, performances, and immersive activities.
Built by Louis XI, this historic monument overlooks the Vouvray vineyards.
Enjoy a guided tour featuring lighting and music, and discover the suite of interconnecting reception rooms, the Gaudin Room (dedicated to the mistress of Francis I), and the listed 17th-century chapel.
💶Prices: €12 per adult and €10 for youths aged 6 to 18. Free for children under 6.
📅Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
23 minutes from Tours
The Montbazon Fortress is one of the oldest medieval monuments in France.
Perched atop a rocky spur, this is a favorite castle for families, thanks to the many activities offered throughout the year.
It also houses one of the oldest keeps in France.
Starting at 7:45 PM, you can attend a workshop on the aromas of medieval drinks or a staged banquet scene, before sampling some of the castle’s specialties.
A guided torchlight tour follows, running until 11:00 PM, offering a journey into the history of the Plantagenet, Rohan, and Savary families.
📅 Saturday, October 17, from 7:45 PM to 11:00 PM.
💶 Prices: €32 per adult, €22 for children aged 5 to 12. Free for children under 5.
35 minutes from Tours
Discover Château Gaillard by candlelight and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this Italian-style *palazzotto*, surrounded by Renaissance gardens.
📅 Friday, October 16; Saturday, October 17; and Sunday, October 18.
Château de Montpoupon invites you to a unique, immersive tour-show where doors slam, objects vanish, and mysterious laughter echoes through the corridors.
Wander from room to room within the castle to solve the mystery.
An evening suitable for the whole family at this former medieval stronghold.
📅 Saturday, October 17, from 5:15 PM to 9:00 PM.
💶 Prices: €15 per adult, €12 for youths aged 15 to 18, and €8 for children aged 5 to 14.
To make the most of the *Nuit des Châteaux* (Night of the Châteaux), stay at the Best Western Plus L’Artist Hotel in Tours.
Located just 300 meters from the train station on a quiet side street, the hotel offers 53 air-conditioned rooms featuring queen-size beds.
Start your day with our breakfast buffet, served every morning from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Guests in a hurry can opt for the express breakfast option.
After a day of sightseeing, unwind at the bar while relaxing in one of our cozy armchairs.
Book your hotel in Tours city center today!
In Touraine, the event offers a chance to discover the Loire Valley’s heritage in a unique nighttime atmosphere.
Experience these iconic monuments in a whole new way through guided tours, illuminations, and immersive activities.
Nuit des Châteaux 2026: three evenings to rediscover Touraine
Nighttime tours in the heart of the Loire Valley’s heritage
Organized nationwide, the Nuit des Châteaux spotlights dozens of fortresses across the Loire Valley a region designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Once night falls, the castles of Touraine reveal a different side of their architecture.
Lighting highlights the facades, courtyards, gardens, and sculpted details that might be less noticeable during the day.
You can enjoy night trails, themed tours, performances, and immersive activities.
Must-visit castles in Touraine
Château de Jallanges
21 minutes from ToursBuilt by Louis XI, this historic monument overlooks the Vouvray vineyards.
Enjoy a guided tour featuring lighting and music, and discover the suite of interconnecting reception rooms, the Gaudin Room (dedicated to the mistress of Francis I), and the listed 17th-century chapel.
💶Prices: €12 per adult and €10 for youths aged 6 to 18. Free for children under 6.
📅Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Montbazon Fortress
23 minutes from ToursThe Montbazon Fortress is one of the oldest medieval monuments in France.
Perched atop a rocky spur, this is a favorite castle for families, thanks to the many activities offered throughout the year.
It also houses one of the oldest keeps in France.
Starting at 7:45 PM, you can attend a workshop on the aromas of medieval drinks or a staged banquet scene, before sampling some of the castle’s specialties.
A guided torchlight tour follows, running until 11:00 PM, offering a journey into the history of the Plantagenet, Rohan, and Savary families.
📅 Saturday, October 17, from 7:45 PM to 11:00 PM.
💶 Prices: €32 per adult, €22 for children aged 5 to 12. Free for children under 5.
Domaine Royal de Château Gaillard
35 minutes from ToursDiscover Château Gaillard by candlelight and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this Italian-style *palazzotto*, surrounded by Renaissance gardens.
📅 Friday, October 16; Saturday, October 17; and Sunday, October 18.
Château de Montpoupon
51 minutes from ToursChâteau de Montpoupon invites you to a unique, immersive tour-show where doors slam, objects vanish, and mysterious laughter echoes through the corridors.
Wander from room to room within the castle to solve the mystery.
An evening suitable for the whole family at this former medieval stronghold.
📅 Saturday, October 17, from 5:15 PM to 9:00 PM.
💶 Prices: €15 per adult, €12 for youths aged 15 to 18, and €8 for children aged 5 to 14.
Book your 4-star hotel in Tours city center
To make the most of the *Nuit des Châteaux* (Night of the Châteaux), stay at the Best Western Plus L’Artist Hotel in Tours.
Located just 300 meters from the train station on a quiet side street, the hotel offers 53 air-conditioned rooms featuring queen-size beds.
Start your day with our breakfast buffet, served every morning from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Guests in a hurry can opt for the express breakfast option.
After a day of sightseeing, unwind at the bar while relaxing in one of our cozy armchairs.
Book your hotel in Tours city center today!
