Where to celebrate Halloween in Touraine? Activities and tips

A few words about Halloween

Drawn from the Celtic traditions of Samhain, marking the transition from the light to the dark season, Halloween has evolved over time into a festival that is both religious and popular, dedicated to the saints and the dead. As autumn sets in, the nights grow longer, temperatures drop and nature prepares for winter. Halloween then becomes a celebration that defies death, a festival where we play with darkness through legends like that of Jack-o’-Lantern. Jack-o’-Lantern, the main character of the festival, wanders aimlessly, illuminated by a pumpkin, symbolising the fight against the unknown. Around him, a frightening universe unfolds: bats, spiders, witches and, this year, colourful calaveras from Mexico. Get ready to shiver, because young and old alike are going to love this atmosphere… and if sweets are involved, you really shouldn’t miss out!

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🎃 Happy Halloween 🎃 #halloween #happyhalloween #fyp #pourtoi #touraine #valdeloire
♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song – PeriTune

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On a visité des salles secrètes du château d’Ussé 🤫🦇 #halloween #chateau #urbex #night #castle #explorefrance #touraine #tourainevaldeloire #usse #sleepingbeauty
♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs – Skittlegirl Sound

What to do for Halloween in Touraine

Here are some not-to-be-missed events at the region’s leisure sites, museums and châteaux:

Aquarium de Touraine: throughout the holidays, the ” Contagion ” escape game puts you in the Halloween mood.
Château des Brétignolles: do you like trick-or-treating? Even in a haunted cemetery, complete with witches, skeletons, clowns and demons? OK, come along!
The Domaine de Candé: from October 30 to November 2, join the Cirque des Ombres Funestes for a “big chills” or “little chills” tour. For all the family, booking required.
The Château and gardens of Le Rivau: the Addams family invites itself to the château from 30 October to 1 Novemberfor “Halloween at the Château du Rivau“. Trick-or-treating, original treasure hunts for all ages, storytelling and face painting available on site.
Château de l’Islette: Halloween treasure hunt, punch trail (3-5 years), and games booklets (6-9 and 10-12 years) make up a great programme from 24 October to 2 November, supported by a floral show by the La Fleur Française collective, showcasing local horticultural production.
Château de Gizeux: on November 1 and 2, discover the myths and customs of 18th-century Scotland through a wide range of activities, and celebrate Samhain!
Le Prieuré Saint Cosme: a treasure hunt on the theme of ” Denise Sorcière’s potion “, to be enjoyed by all the family.
The Musée Balzac: watch the story “Mistigris et la soupe à la citrouille” (Mistigris and pumpkin soup) for a family thrill.
The Cité Rétro Mécanique Maurice Dufresne: experience a special Halloween Cluedo, an activity not to be missed!
Les jardins de Valmer: celebrate Samaïn, the ancestor of Halloween, in a unique natural setting.
Château de la Bourdaisière: try the special Halloween underground escape game“Les graines d’Angelier” in the castle cellars.
The Monstrous Tour of the town of Loches: a special Halloween tour for families, on the trail of imaginary creatures!

The must-sees for Halloween in Touraine

Halloween evenings!

Don’t miss festive events like Halloween by Slay! at the Bateau Ivre and the Horror Night at the Espace Gentiana in Tours, as well as the Valley Bio evening in Restigné.

Dance the night away at the Halloween costume ball at the Château de Jallanges(Vernou-sur-Brenne).

Or sign up for one of the Crimochato sessions, at a monument 20 km south of Tours, to be revealed at the last minute by the organiser…