Dogs just as numerous as people at French chateau weekend visit
The Ch芒teau d鈥橴ss茅 is one of the only such attractions in France to allow dogs to walk inside and is keen to encourage canine visitors
Hundreds of visitors to the Ch芒teau d鈥橴ss茅 were joined by their dogs last weekend, as the attraction seeks to encourage people to bring their canine companionsSpeedKingz / Shutterstock
Emma MorganEmmaMorgan
PublishedModified
The Ch芒teau d鈥橴ss茅 鈥� commonly referred to as 鈥楽leeping Beauty鈥檚 Castle鈥� 鈥� in Centre-Val de Loire, is one of the only French chateaux to welcome dogs not just to its gardens but also inside its rooms.
The Ch芒teau d鈥橴ss茅 is one of the only such attractions in France to allow dogs indoors. Photo credit:
On Saturday (November 12), there were just as many dogs as people at the chateau, as a large group of 鈥�toutouriste鈥� (a blend of 鈥�toutou鈥�, or 鈥榙oggy鈥�, and 鈥�touriste鈥�) visitors brought their pets along with them.
Many of these dog owners are part of a group called 鈥�Tourisme avec mon chien鈥� (Tourism with my dog), whose suggests dog-friendly activity ideas.
Their visit to the chateau also involved a group walk and a meal in a local dog-friendly restaurant.
The Ch芒teau d鈥橴ss茅 is the only one of its kind in Centre-Val de Loire to allow dogs outside, and one of three in France (with Chenonceau and Langeais) which welcomes them inside on a lead.
Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Clos-Luc茅, Montr茅sor, and Villandry will, however, let dogs come inside if they are being carried.
鈥淒ogs have access everywhere; we ask only that they are kept on a lead inside, but they can be let off in the gardens,鈥� the chateau鈥檚 owner Casimir de Blacas told .
鈥淲e have always had dogs; they have always been part of the family,鈥� Mr de Blacas added.
He also said that he would like more people to know about the fact that they can bring their dogs to the chateau. 鈥淢aybe we are not doing enough publicity. That is why we thought of organising this special day.鈥�
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Another toutouriste visit is planned for February 11, 2023.
