Are you art lovers and passionate about history? Then follow our guide to make your visit to the castle of Chenonceau a real success!
Known as the "Château des Dames", the castle of Chenonceau is distinguished from the other tourist sites of the region by its original and elegant construction, the exceptional wealth of the collections that are exhibited there and its unique history shaped by the women who have succeeded. It is an architectural masterpiece and blends with harmony the medieval, French and Italian Renaissance styles. Furnished with great taste and surrounded by sumptuous gardens, it was one of the most visionary and innovative monuments in the time of the Lights, whose influence of the great thinkers and intellectuals of the time is still visible today. Discover everything you need to know about the castle of Chenonceau and embark for a majestic and unforgettable experience in the heart of the countries of the Loire.
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History of the castle of Chenonceau
Photo credit: Unsplash – Dorian Mongel
It is often said that behind every great man hides a woman. It is also true for the castle of Chenonceau. It was built in 1513 by Catherine Briçonnet , wife of nobility from a family of financials, on the remains of the old castle which belonged to the Marques family. He then became property of the Crown under the reign of François I until his death. His son then decided in 1547 to offer the estate to Diane de Poitiers, to whom one owes the layout of the garden which bears his name and the bridge linking the castle to the left bank of the Cher. In 1559 Catherine de Medici became the owner of it: she created her own garden, built the two-storey gallery that spans the river, decorates the interiors and organizes numerous royal festivities and celebrations.
In 1589, Louise de Lorraine received the castle of Chenonceau as an inheritance and chose to transform it into a place of recollection to honour the memory of her late husband, King Henry III. After being owned by the Duchess of Mercoeur and the house of Vendôme and Condé, the couple Dupin became the acquirer of the estate in 1733: the spouses took advantage of it to destroy the bridge-levis and the fountain of Rocher, replace the furniture and enlarge the library. From 1799, it was Count René de Villeneuve, Madame Pelouze (who, in particular, transformed the building of the Domes into stables), the Credit Foncier de France and the Terry family who were in turn the holders.
Since 1913, it has been the property of the Menier family, which worked for more than a century for the preservation and preservation of the castle of Chenonceau. It is now listed on the list of historical monuments in France and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.
What to see and do at the castle of Chenonceau?
Photo credit: Flickr – Steve Collis
The castle
Floating on the river of Cher, the castle of Chenonceau welcomes you in a dazzling setting and transports you in a different era. During your visit, you will be able to discover the many parts that make up it: Catherine de Medici's room , the Guards Hall, the Green Cabinet, the Louis XIV Catherine Briçonnet's vestibule... The monument also houses collections of art objects Invaluable: paintings, furniture, tapestries and sculptures come from the greatest European artists and pay an authentic tribute to the history of the castle and to the female personalities who made it live for centuries.
The gardens and the labyrinth
Outside the castle, the refined and floral gardens bring an extra touch of elegance to the estate. Protected by elevated terraces, the garden of Diane de Poitiers has a jet of water surrounded by roses, hibiscus, santolines and buis. More imposing, the garden of Catherine de Medici has an innovative layout and structure, inspired by Italian fashion, and offers a sublime view of the western façade of the castle.
During your walk, don’t miss the garden in honour of Russell Page and the Green Garden, designed for the Countess of Villeneuve. You can also explore the famous circular labyrinth and try to find your way to reach the central statue representing Venus. You can also explore the Floral workshop, the flower garden and the Attelages gallery.
How to go to the castle of Chenonceau?
Located in the department of Indre-et-Loire, in the heart of the Touraine, the castle of Chenonceau is part of the famous set of castles of the Loire. Its exact address is : Château de Chenonceau 37150 Chenonceaux, France. You can go to the castle:
- By car : take the A10 motorway then exit Blois or Amboise
- By train : take a train or a TGV to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps Station (Tours) then a TER to Chenonceaux Railway Station (situated 400 metres from the castle)
- By bus : take the C line of the Touraine Fil Vert network (Tours-Montlouis-Amboise-Montrichard) until the Château de Chenonceau stop
- A bike : the organism La Loire à Vélo offers a route from Amboise to the castle of Chenonceau (20 kilometers, about 2 hours)
Timetables & rates of Chenonceau Castle
HORARI
The castle of Chenonceau is open all year round but its times vary according to the periods:
- 1 January to 8 February 9:30 to 16:30
- 9 February to 5 April 9:30 to 5:00
- 6 April to 29 May 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- 30 May to 5 July 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- 6 July to 18 August 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- August 19 to September 29 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- From 30 September to 11 November 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- 12 November to 20 December 9:30 to 16:30
- From 21 to 31 December 9:30 to 5:30
- Easter and Ascension Weekends, May 1 and 8 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
RATES
In order to meet the expectations and needs of its visitors, the castle of Chenonceau offers two options for its castle towers, gardens and gallery: free visits with a brochure (available in 16 languages) or visits with an audioguide (available in 12 languages).
Prices with brochure
- Adult : 14,50€
- Child 7 to 18 / Student from 18 to 27 / Group from 20 people / Accompanying a person with a disability : 11,50€
- Family from 3 children (7-18 years old) paid : 9€
Rates with audioguide
- Adult : 18,50€
- Student from 18 to 27 / Child from 7 to 18 / Group from 20 people : 15€
- Family from 3 children (7-18 years old) paid : 13€
- Accompanying a person with a disability : 11,50€
Free access
- Children under 7 years
- The escorts of the groups from 20 people
- Persons in situations of disability having a disability card
- ♪ journalists holders of a press card
You can buy your tickets online on the official website of the castle or directly at the counter located at the entrance of the monument.
BON TO LEARN
- Several parking are at your disposal free of charge: car, motorhome, two-wheelers, coach. If you own a Tesla vehicle, you should know that 3 charging stations (one universal type 2) are also available free of charge.
- If you want to bring your meal, indoor and outdoor spaces have been specially equipped and equipped to offer you a comfortable place for picnic.
- The castle is fully adapted to accommodate people with disabilities and reduced mobility. Des wheelchairs are available free of charge.
- ♪ pets are accepted in the castle: they must be kept on a leash in the gardens and small dogs must be worn (in your arms or in a basket) during the visit of the castle. The blind dogs are allowed to accompany their master in the building’s enclosure.
- Count one half day for the complete visit of the castle, the gallery and gardens if you wish to take your time and enjoy all the services offered by the castle of Chenonceau.
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