Jayne Gorman, Route de Capestang (D37), Quarante (2026)

25/08/2026

ad One thing that really surprised me when visiting the Loire Valley is how family-friendly the châteaus are. From historical horse-riding shows to dragon’s lairs, HistoPads and canoe trips – visiting these iconic châteaus is as much fun for kids as it is the adults.

Here are 3 châteaus in the Loire Valley we think you can’t miss:

1. Château de Chambord

✨ Hire a Histopad that brings Chambord’s amazing history & architecture to life through augmented reality and treasure hunts.

✨ Visit the Children’s Lodge for puzzles, games and photo opportunities.

✨ Rent a boat, bike or electric vehicle to explore the vast grounds without little legs getting tired.

✨ Don’t miss the historical horse-riding show – an entertaining spectacular involving jousting, fencing and jaw-dropping stunts.

2. Château de Chenonceau

✨ Families can enjoy a unique perspective of this famous ‘floating château’ by paddling directly under the arches and around the moat.

✨ Book a canoe trip with a picnic basket for an apèro to remember.

✨ Come at golden hour for less crowds and beautiful lighting.

3. Château de Meung-sur-Loire

✨ This ‘Castle with Two Faces’ is perfect for a fun family day out.

✨ Look for the incongruous modern objects cheeky robot Walter has hidden around the château.

✨ Enjoy a ‘Knight’s Trail’ parcours suspended through the forest, plus Dragon Land, medieval games and mini farm dotted around the gardens.

✨ Don’t miss the Dragon’s Lair hidden in the dungeons.

Did you know châteaus could be this child-friendly?
Save for your next family holiday in the Loire Valley!

18/08/2026

💫 Postcards from the dreamiest weekend in South Devon 🇬🇧

We’re just back from an amazing stay at Anchor Boathouse on the Kingsbridge Estuary, enjoying waterfront views from chic window seats and watching the sunset turn the water pink from a bubbling hot tub.

Anchor Boathouse is a beautifully renovated waterside retreat that is brand new to the Finest Stays portfolio. (Pr stay)

Featuring 4 bedrooms spread over 3 levels, every single room has been designed to make the most of the views. Whether you’re waking up in the master bedroom or enjoying a Salcombe Gin in the dining room, it’s hard to take your eyes off the ever-changing estuary.

The interiors of the house are absolutely stunning - think elevated coastal living with a strong sense of the surroundings - and the gorgeous children’s room with nautical-themed toys plus a high-spec cinema room were a wonderful bonus for our little one.

The direct access to the water is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or wild swimming. Miles really got into crabbing and with some encouragement from Nana and Pops was entertained for hours!

It was hard to leave the house but we loved exploring the independent shops and cafes just down the road in Kingsbridge and also spent some time in buzzing Salcombe, hiking to Snapes Point and catching the South Sands ferry.

Anchor Boathouse really is the perfect stylish base for multi-gen families or groups of friends visiting South Devon. I’ll be sharing more about this stay in my stories and posts this week so follow for updates.

Finest Stays | Holiday Homes

13/08/2026

Family travel but make it chic!

It’s no coincidence that some of our favourite family-friendly stays have also been the most stylish. If you like calm, considered interiors with a side of kids club these hotels might also be a bit of you.

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Comment ‘hotels’ if you’d like to read our honest reviews and top tips for staying at these resorts.

My blog has detailed guides to all these hotels apart from Parga Beach Resort which will be going live next week. Make sure you’re following me for updates.

10/08/2026

🇫🇷 Mini guide to Orléans

I think Orléans might be one of the most beautiful but underrated places we’ve ever been in France. It’s a wonderful blend of medieval architecture, vibrant riverside guinguettes (open-air cafes) and quintessential French charm.

As the capital of the Loire Valley region it’s the perfect place to start a road trip through this incredible ‘land of castles’ while learning more about its pivotal role in history.

Some of our top things to do in Orléans are:

- Hop on the touristic train for an introduction to Orléans & its key landmarks. The train departs outside the Tourism Office on Place du Martroi and English audio is available in the last carriage.

- Little ones will love riding the carousel and splashing in the fountains at Place du Martroi. (The carousel is 3 Euro per ride and we hear the ice creams there are also amazing.)

- Wander Rue de la Charpenterie to admire the medieval timber-framed buildings.

- Visit Maison de Jeanne d’Arc to learn more about how she liberated the city from the English.

- Enjoy a sundowner on the river at guinguette Le Ponton.

- Dine in buzzing restaurants and bars on Rue de Bourgogne or at Studio 16 right next to the carousel.

- Watch the free outdoor summer illuminations on Sainte-Croix Cathedral (Wednesday to Sunday starting at 10:45 p.m. during peak summer).

Have we convinced you to visit Orléans?

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Adresse

Route De Capestang (D37)
Quarante
34310

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https://www.jayneytravels.com/

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