What's better than one châteaux? Seeing two on the same day. On our last day of being at the campsite we decided to ask a rep on site what their recommendation for places to visit in the Loire Valley was.
It turned out that this was her second season with the campsite and she had visited a number of places in the area including Chambord, Da Vinci's home, Châteaux de Meung and Châteaux de Beaugency. My husband had suggested we visit an aquarium and mini village but she told me that a few people had told her it wasn't very good. So we changed our plans.
With leaflets in hand (I tend to hoard leaflets as if I'm a squirrel and place my favourites on top) we set out to the châteaux. The first châteaux we visited was Châteaux de Meung.
My youngest soon found the stocks.This isn't the first time she's found the stocks and placed herself in them. Maybe she realises she can be quite the rebel at times.
A stones throw away from the stocks on display was the ice house which lit up as you approached and a fountain that my husband tried desperately to keep the girls out of while I tried to divulge all the information on the property in the hand book I was given.
Inside we found interactive displays in which the girls could find out what it would be like to be a knight.There were flags that were associated with those that knew Joan D'Arc and imagine what life may be like at the châteaux. Throughout the châteaux there were also bits left around by a robot that the girls were to spot that were not of the period. As adults we spotted these things first such as the play dough pot and toothpaste but the girls decided that running through the area was far more fun. At the end of the self guided tour we ended up in the cellar and torture chamber. It was so cold down there that it wasn't long before our eldest had deemed it too cold and was asking to get out so we missed one of the features there.
Then it was on to the next chateaux situated a little further down stream towards the campsite. There my husband got a lecture in how to use a tablet while the girls had a look at some of the tourist memorabilia and decided to point the pretend swords they found at the guide! Fortunately she took this in good humour and we were soon off to explore.
When we entered the exhibit my husband asked the girls whether they could find various shields and things which when covered via the device enabled information on the item to show up on the tablet. There were also many games to play and selfies to take with historic characters. You could also see the rooms as they are today and how they may have looked at other points in time. My favourite part was when a dragon burst through the window and the girls got to create a dragon whom they named Digby at the end of the tour. Being 2 and 3 our daughters are a little young for some of the activities present on the tablet but they were excited to see the dragon hatch from the egg.
How do you like to view historic sites? Do you think technology is the way forward or would you prefer paper materials?
It turned out that this was her second season with the campsite and she had visited a number of places in the area including Chambord, Da Vinci's home, Châteaux de Meung and Châteaux de Beaugency. My husband had suggested we visit an aquarium and mini village but she told me that a few people had told her it wasn't very good. So we changed our plans.
Châteaux de Meung
With leaflets in hand (I tend to hoard leaflets as if I'm a squirrel and place my favourites on top) we set out to the châteaux. The first châteaux we visited was Châteaux de Meung.
My youngest soon found the stocks.This isn't the first time she's found the stocks and placed herself in them. Maybe she realises she can be quite the rebel at times.
A stones throw away from the stocks on display was the ice house which lit up as you approached and a fountain that my husband tried desperately to keep the girls out of while I tried to divulge all the information on the property in the hand book I was given.
Inside we found interactive displays in which the girls could find out what it would be like to be a knight.There were flags that were associated with those that knew Joan D'Arc and imagine what life may be like at the châteaux. Throughout the châteaux there were also bits left around by a robot that the girls were to spot that were not of the period. As adults we spotted these things first such as the play dough pot and toothpaste but the girls decided that running through the area was far more fun. At the end of the self guided tour we ended up in the cellar and torture chamber. It was so cold down there that it wasn't long before our eldest had deemed it too cold and was asking to get out so we missed one of the features there.
Châteaux de Beaugency
Then it was on to the next chateaux situated a little further down stream towards the campsite. There my husband got a lecture in how to use a tablet while the girls had a look at some of the tourist memorabilia and decided to point the pretend swords they found at the guide! Fortunately she took this in good humour and we were soon off to explore.
When we entered the exhibit my husband asked the girls whether they could find various shields and things which when covered via the device enabled information on the item to show up on the tablet. There were also many games to play and selfies to take with historic characters. You could also see the rooms as they are today and how they may have looked at other points in time. My favourite part was when a dragon burst through the window and the girls got to create a dragon whom they named Digby at the end of the tour. Being 2 and 3 our daughters are a little young for some of the activities present on the tablet but they were excited to see the dragon hatch from the egg.
How do you like to view historic sites? Do you think technology is the way forward or would you prefer paper materials?
I love to explore old buildings. They look so magical! #ablogginggoodtime
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www.viewfromthebeacchair.com
Two chateaux in one day (sounds like a song..). Camping reps can be great for last minute itinerary changes, glad it worked out. I'm definitely a no-screens person though some of these interactive ideas can really keep kids engaged when they otherwise wouldn't be. My favourite UK castle so far is Chillingham where all the displays, including swords and maces(!) are accessible to all so the children can hold and handle real life objects. Better than a device by far for me but I accept they have a place these days. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteI love French chateaux they are so impressive to look at, though my recollection is that they are more impressive outside than inside. I think the girls did well to cover 2 in a day with you at such a young age, though I'm not surprised the water fountain was a big draw! It sounds like your camping trip gave you plenty of opportunities to explores some lovely areas in the Loire Valley. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteThese look like really interesting places to visit, and so beautiful too! We are yet to visit France with the kids but it's on the (rather long!) "to-do" list!
ReplyDelete#CountryKids
They look very impressive. I like a mix of information and my son has enjoyed the interactive guides when we've visited places before #Countrykids
ReplyDeleteI've never looked around a rench chateaux, so I'd enjoy that and especially if they had some activities to keep the kids interested. Mich x
ReplyDeleteThis all looks fabulous! And I totally relate to hoarding leaflets!
ReplyDeleteWe love visiting historical buildings as they fit in nicely with some of our home-ed sessions. It looks like you guys made the most of your time in the beautiful Loire Valley.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing with #MMBC. :)
It looks as though you had a great time! I confess that I love reading wall plaques or information boards, but I can see that modern technology might reach a wider audience. Thank you for linking up with #Blogstravaganza :)
ReplyDeleteI adore that your youngest is a little rebel, I can hardly believe how fast she is growing, feels like she was just a newborn! Thank you for sharing this #ABloggingGoodTime
ReplyDeleteWe got a tablet for the first time at Blois - to start with I viewed it as a distraction and feared it would really spoil the visit but once we got used to it it was really good to have it with us! #thesathsesh xx
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful châteaux in one day is good going. Love the photo of your youngest in the stocks. I like the idea of having to spot things that aren’t from the correct period. I quite like paper-based materials but interactive ones can be good too especially those that use augmented reality. There is a danger though that you end up spending the time looking at a tablet or a phone rather than looking at the place you’re visiting so there are definitely pros and cons to each method. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteThis looks stunning. I must admit, I'm quite a fan of interactive exhibits/accompanying material to help my children to explore more and at their own pace - some of them are so engaging. But within reason... I'd hate them (or us) to miss the actual experience right in front of them! I love the opportunities you had to experience what it was like to be a knight -such fun! #countrykids
ReplyDeleteLooks like an impressive set of beautiful places to explore! Those are great questions about technology and heritage sites. I am a fan of having some tactile document to take away from a visit, but I also appreciate that using more technology may grant access to more people. It's a tricky issue and one which I would think hinges on the sites physical properties, the context (historical, cultural, etc.) that is being shared with guests, and who the main audience is (adults, academics, families, international tourists, etc.). Not to mention budget! I personally like having audio explanations and interactive displays (and a little brochure I can take with me). #CulturedKids
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit undecided about the use of technology, I guess it could be essential for getting some children engaged. I like the idea of adding modern items to the chateau for the kids to find, that makes it a bit like a treasure hunt. #culturedkids
ReplyDeleteTechnology done well can enhance a visit but all too often it is a clunky reading of the guide book and I’d rather do that myself.
ReplyDeletePS I love a leaflet too
#CulturedKids
Some interactive displays and guides work really well and it's a great way to get lure the kids in. #CULTUREDKIDS
ReplyDeleteThis looks beautiful, you can't beat a chateau! I have to say I like a bit of tech in with the old, it brings it up to date, and shows a new way to explore it. Bringing history to more people and that can't be a bad thing! Thanks for linking to #culturedkids
ReplyDeleteThey really do the best castles don't they? So beautiful! #culturedkids
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