In France's Loire Valley, castles are relying on the magic of Christmas to secure their future. Each winter, historical landmarks are turned into festive, fairy-tale settings, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. But beyond the lights and decorations lies a pressing challenge: how to preserve these iconic sites in the face of mounting structural and financial woes.

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Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest château in France's Loire Valley, spans 5,500 hectares and includes 426 rooms and 77 staircases. This year, the estate invested a record €200,000 in Christmas festivities, with the aim of generating up to €1 million in revenue. These funds will help maintain this vast and fragile giant. While Chambord has undergone many restorations over the past 500 years, one of its most urgent projects still lies ahead. The Francis I wing has been closed to the public since 2023 for security reasons as it's at risk of collapse.

Built on marshland, the château is increasingly affected by climate change: façades are leaning, floors are sinking and cracks continue to widen. Overall damage is estimated at €37 million, including €12 million needed for emergency work. The Christmas event is just a sparkle in the fight to save Chambord. A public fundraising campaign is currently underway, with renovations expected to begin in 2026.

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Loire Valley's smallest château hosts its first ever Christmas

Just 20 kilometres away from Chambord, the smallest castle in the region is embracing a more intimate and sustainable approach. Troussay has belonged to the same family for 125 years, spanning four generations. It's the first time its owners are opening the château to the public during the festive season. With handmade decorations, a recycled nativity scene competition and the support of friends, the aim is to keep costs low while maximising fundraising. The money raised will go towards urgent roof cleaning after three consecutive years of heavy rain and humidity. Despite receiving state funding, resources simply aren't sufficient. The château is therefore exploring creative new ways to finance its preservation.

One castle, 57,000 owners

Other sites are experimenting with entirely new economic models. Over the past eight years, the start-up Dartagnans has raised more than €8 million from 57,000 co-owners around the world, helping to save four ruined castles, including La Mothe Chandeniers. Abandoned for nearly a century after a fire in 1932, the château was rescued in 2017 through a pioneering crowdfunding campaign.

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Rather than restoring it completely, the co-owners chose to preserve its wild, romantic character. Nature has reclaimed the site, with trees, ferns and wildlife now living in the ruins. Only the Lord's room, in the clock tower, will be restored and converted into a guest room, while the rest of the château will be secured and left frozen in time. Every year, the co-owners are invited back to witness the progress made and to share in the festive spirit.