Chaumont-sur-Loire: Garden Festival Closes This November 1st

Final Days for the International Garden Festival in Chaumont-sur-Loire

From October 30 through November 1, 2026, the extended All Saints' weekend marks the final stretch of the season at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Visitors have these final days to experience the creations of the 2026 International Garden Festival, which centers on "The Garden Does Its Cinema". This concept turns the property into a series of plant-based displays constructed like outdoor movie sets.

Approximately twenty ephemeral installations, conceived by landscape architecture groups and global artists, constitute the route. Guests encounter sections containing distinct allusions, including "Rear Window", "Jurassic Plants", and "Amelie Poulain's Fabulous Garden". This botanical and creative loop interlaces walkways, flora, and forested zones throughout the property, extending toward the Prés du Goualoup, a vast designed park spanning over 10 hectares dedicated to worldwide botanical heritage.

These excursions are enhanced by guided walks conducted by gardener-botanists, practical gardening workshops, evening tours, and programs tailored for younger attendees. Adults pay 21 € for full admission, whereas the reduced rate of 13 € applies to individuals aged 12 to 18, students, and jobseekers. Those aged 6 to 11 pay 6 €, while free entry for children under 6 and visitors with disabilities is granted. To expedite the admission process during this final weekend, it is recommended to book online in advance.

Weather Forecast and Estate Application Schedule

Strollers can expect perfect weather on October 30 and 31, 2026. The Blois region should see clear skies with temperatures around 12 °C. By Sunday, November 1st, All Saints' Day, the skies will become more overcast while readings fall a bit to 11 °C.

While public entry for this iteration concludes, planning for upcoming gatherings progresses. Due to technical security concerns, the digital portal for the 2027 Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire competition is currently inaccessible. Consequently, the deadline for submitting landscape designs has been pushed back to Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm French time, providing designers with additional time.

Outdoor Pursuits and Seasonal Activities in the Loire Valley

Past the Chaumont-sur-Loire gardens, families may pursue outdoor activities along the Cisse river. The leisure park in the Loire Valley, located in Chouzy-sur-Cisse within the Cisse valley, provides extended hours for this school break. It hosts guests on Friday, October 30 starting at 2 pm until 5 pm, and on Saturday, October 31 from 10 am to 5 pm, enabling walks through the autumn woods.

Halloween-themed creative sessions are also occurring throughout the Blois metropolitan region. Situated within the Les Perrières business district in Saint-Gervais-la-Forêt, the Truffaut Blois outlet hosts a kids' activity named "I Create My Halloween Pumpkin". Rated 2 out of 4 for difficulty, this beginner-level class allows attendees to sculpt their own vegetable lantern. Participants depart with their creation and a junior wizard diploma. Since capacity is restricted, advance reservations are mandatory.

Viewing the Châteaux from Above at Blois-Le Breuil

Travelers wanting views from above can visit the Blois-Le Breuil aerodrome, situated on the departmental road RD957 in Villefrancœur, which offers two unique aviation activities. One choice is a first flight in an autogyro microlight. Inside this two-seat machine, the pilot delivers real-time descriptions of the scenery through a radio headset. Various routes ranging from 20 to 60 minutes exist; trips of 30 minutes or longer feature passes over the Château de Chambord, whereas the full hour-long journey covers five key sites in the Loire Valley. Two individual planes may operate at once using a paired tandem configuration.

Thrill-seekers can engage in tandem skydiving at the same Villefrancœur airfield. A facility linked to the French Parachuting Federation oversees the operation, where participants are strapped to instructors holding DGAC (French civil aviation authority) certification. The plane ascends to an altitude of 3,000 meters before pairs freefall above Loire scenery, covering regions near Saumur, Chambord, and Chenonceau. Packages for photographing and filming the jump before parachute deployment are offered to keep a visual record.