The region around Amboise has attractions that resemble a mix of Disney's Magic Kingdom and the court of the Renaissance kings. The most frequently visited attraction, the Aquarium du Val de Loire, Parc des Mini-Châteaux (tel. 02-47-23-44-57), lies 9.5km (6 miles) west of Amboise. It has more than 10,000 freshwater and saltwater fish, including about a half-dozen sharks. Admission is 13€ ($19) for adults and 8.75€ ($13) for children 4 to 14; it's open daily 10:30am to 6pm.
At the same address (same phone) is the Parc des Mini-Châteaux, which holds replicas of France's most famous castles built at 1/25 the size of the originals. Chambord, for example, is less than 3.5m (11 ft.) tall. It's all very patriotic -- a sort of learning game that teaches French schoolchildren the glories of their patrimoine (heritage) and collects some of the most celebrated architecture in Europe. Admission is 13€ ($19) for adults, 8.50€ ($12) for students and children 4 to 16, and free for children 3 and under.
The aquarium is open daily year-round; the Parc des Mini-Châteaux is open from April to mid-November, with occasional closures based on the school calendar. Hours vary according to the season -- call ahead for information.
To get here from Amboise, follow signs to Tours and take RD751 along the southern bank of the Loire. The aquarium is 1km ( 2/3 mile) beyond the village of Lussault-sur-Loire (it's clearly marked).
