To help you decide the places that your children will most enjoy we decided to list here the top 10 things our children liked to do in the Loire.  This is not a scientific process as children tend to only remember the things they have done on recent holidays and obviously it is influence by the child's age and whether they are a boy and a girl.  The list that follows is averaged over 7 children, 2 boys and 5 girls, ranging in age from 6 to 16.

1. Zoo de Doue (top right).  One of France's best zoos set in an old quarry with troglodyte dwellings.

2. Château de Villandry.  Superb gardens with playground, maze....and a nice chateau thrown in!

3= Maulrevrier Gardens.  Spectacular Japanese style gardens.  Yes, our children love them!

3= Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud.  Not sure why the kids voted for this?!

5.  Château de Chambord (centre right).  Breathtaking setting with an incredible "double" central staircase.

6= Tank Museum.  Great for the boys - over 150 tanks on display.

6= Angers Castle / tapestry.  Great fun on the ramparts with superb views.

8. Cheanonceau.  Beautiful chateau with Son et Lumière spectaculars in the summer.

9. Musée Maurice Dufresne.  Quirky museum of "all things that move" including guillotines (bottom right)!

10. Aquarium Val de Loire.  Not cheap!