Where to celebrate Halloween in Touraine? Activities and top tips

A few words about Halloween

Drawing on the Celtic traditions of Samhain, which marks the transition from the light season 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 tricks on the darkness through legends such as that of Jack-o’-Lantern. This character, an indispensable figure of the festival, wandering aimlessly, lit by a pumpkin, symbolises the struggle against the unknown.

All around him, a frightening world unfolds: bats, spiders, witches and even colourful calaveras from Mexico. Plenty of thrills in store… but also plenty of sweets, for young and old alike!

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

Halloween must-sees in Touraine

https://www.tiktok.com/@tourainevaldeloire/video/7296186803789270304

What to do for Halloween in Touraine

Here are a few unmissable events at the region’s leisure centres, museums and castles:

The Touraine Aquarium: throughout the school holidays, the ‘Contagion’ escape game immerses you in the Halloween atmosphere.
Brétignolles Castle: do you like going trick-or-treating? Even in a haunted cemetery, complete with witches, skeletons, clowns and other demons? OK, come along!
The Domaine de Candé: from 29 October to 1 November, enjoy an evening that’s as festive… as it is eerie! Suitable for the whole family, booking required.
The Château and Gardens of Le Rivau: Halloween comes to the château from 29 to 31 October, featuring a trick-or-treat hunt suitable for all ages.
The Château de l’Islette: a Halloween treasure hunt, a stamp trail (ages 3–5), and activity booklets (ages 6–9 and 10–12) make up a wonderful programme from 24 October to 2 November, complemented by a floral display by the La Fleur Française collective, which will showcase local horticultural produce.
Gizeux Castle: on 1 and 2 November, discover the myths and customs of 18th-century Scotland through a variety of activities, and celebrate Samhain!
The Parc des Mini Châteaux: events scheduled for 30 and 31 October.
The Prieuré Saint Cosme: a treasure hunt on the theme of ‘Denise the Witch’s Potion’, perfect for the whole family.
The Balzac Museum: come along to a reading of the tale “Mistigris and the Ghost” for a family-friendly scare (children under 7)
The Maurice Dufresne Retro Mechanics Centre: enjoy a special Halloween game of Cluedo – an activity not to be missed!
The Valmer Gardens: celebrate Samhain, the precursor to Halloween, in a unique natural setting.
The Château de la Bourdaisière: try the special Halloween underground escape game “Les graines d’Angelier” in the château’s cellars.
The Monstrous Tour of Loches: a special Halloween tour for families, on the trail of imaginary creatures!