A group of cyclists in their thirties arrives swimming in the guinguette of Chaumont-sur-Loire (Loir-et-Cher), at the foot of the castle. One of them asks for a fruit juice ” organic “. “Organic, you mean? Hum! I’m peeling organic carrots, if you’re interested. » His friend treats himself to a fondant cake, all washed down with a Coke Zero. Are they careful with their budget? “We all come from Paris. The prices here are frankly accessible, so why deprive yourself? » Coffee at 1.50 euro, water ice cream at 1 euro, half-draft microbrewed beer at 3 euros: the manager, Emilie Rouzé, sticks to her inexpensive menu. “Our clientele is also the people of Chaumont, people from here who feel the inflation well. So, we practice local prices, and we try to open as long as possible. »
Higher up, the castle and its famous gardens fill up. Attendance increased by 11% at the end of May, compared to the same period last year, despite a 1 euro increase in the price of the ticket, to 20 euros. “The increase is not so much a way of passing on inflation as of financing our investments”, explains the director, Chantal Colleu-Dumond. Work to save water resources and adapt to repeated droughts.
“Lower purchasing power”
Originally from Poitiers, four retirees on a spree compensate for the inflation surrounding the journey, restaurants and visits to castles by the outdoor hotel industry. Here, in Chaumont-sur-Loire, the municipal campsite maintains unbeatable prices: 13 euros per day for the rental of a tent for two adults, with access to sanitary facilities. “Compared to a gite, it’s a very good plan”believes Jean-Luc Imbert, one of the retirees.
The royal – and municipal – castle of Blois has also increased its price by 7.7% this year. Nothing to put off visitors: attendance is in good shape, with a 22% increase in the number of entries, in May, compared to May 2022. The turnover of the castle shop jumped from 19%. “ We do not sell more souvenirs, but more expensive souvenirs, such as tea or artisanal umbrellas, made locally. So I would say that those who were careful are even more careful and those with significant purchasing power are even more happy”, analyzes Aurélie Foucault, in charge of communication. In 2022, the shop replaced its Chinese snow globe with a French snow globe. Quite a symbol.
Since 1er July and for three months, the Château de Blois has a second souvenir shop, outside this time. A way to capture those who do not enter the castle. “ Buses of tourists usually stop in Blois for the lunch break. They are often South Americans who do not visit the castle and prefer to walk around and enjoy the small restaurants. But they are still very happy to leave with a souvenir of the castle. »
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