“You must visit Château de Chenonceau,” my French friends insisted.
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley France, the Château de Chenonceau is a true architectural masterpiece that will leave you breathless. Built over the tranquil waters of the River Cher, this elegant castle with its stunning arches and towers is considered one of the most beautiful castles in France.
The Château de Chenonceau is often referred to as the “Château des Dames” or “Ladies’ Castle” because of the significant influence of women in its history. Visit Château de Chenonceau and sense the undeniable feminine energy and elegance palpable throughout the castle.
The Château de Chenonceau first opened to visitors in 1913 and today is one of the most visited castles in France.
Visit Château de Chenonceau: FAQ’s
Where Is Château de Chenonceau?
The Château de Chenonceau is located in the small village of Chenonceaux in the Indre-et-Loire department of the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The Château de Chenonceau is located 133 miles (214 km) from Paris and 21 miles (34 km) from Tours.
How Much Does It Cost To Enter?
Ticket Prices 2024:
17€ per adult and 14€ seniors over 60;
Audio guides are available in French, English, Spanish, German and Italian for €4.
Book entry tickets online. Buy your skip-the-line ticket.
What Days Of The Year Is The Castle Open?
Visit Château de Chenonceau every day of the year.
What Are The Opening Times Of Château de Chenonceau?
In July and August, the castle is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check the website for other months of the year.
What Is The Best Way To Get To The Château de Chenonceau?
Château de Chenonceau From Paris By Train:
From Paris, trains leave from Gare Montparnasse to St-Pierre-des Corps, the station at Tours. Switch in Tours for the train to Chenonceaux. The train station in Chenonceaux is 0.6 miles (400 metres) from the castle entrance. Buy your train ticket here.
The TGV train trip from Paris to St-Pierre-des-Corps is one hour. The TER (regional train) from Tours to Chenonceaux is 25 minutes. When planning your visit, don’t forget to allow time for switching trains.
By Car:
From Paris: take autoroute A10 and take either the exit for Blois or Amboise. It is a 2.5-hour drive, depending on traffic.
Rent your car for a Loire Valley expedition
By Bike:
Don’t forget that there are 559 mi (900 km) of bike routes in the Loire Valley. From your base in the Loire Valley, cycle to the Château de Chenonceau.
Is There Somewhere To Eat?
“Le Snack,” which serves both hot and cold dishes, is open every day from 9:30 to 18:30. Sit at one of the outside tables and enjoy!
When you visit Château de Chenonceau, consider having lunch at “Le Snack” with beautiful views of the château and then head off to the Château d’Amboise (20 minutes by car) or the Château de Chambord (one hour by car).
How about bringing a picnic to the Château de Chenonceau? There are plenty of picnic areas with tables and also places to lay out a picnic blanket.
How Much Time Should We Spend At Château de Chenonceau?
When you visit Château de Chenonceau, plan on spending a minimum of two hours. Leave ample time to marvel at the arches over the River Cher and admire both the exterior and interior of the castle. Factor in time to visit the gardens and maze.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Château de Chenonceau?
Château de Chenonceau is one of the most visited castles in the Loire Valley therefore try to avoid high season and school holidays. Here are my recommendations after multiple trips to the Chenonceau. Visit Château de Chenonceau in the spring or fall seasons and arrive early in the day or towards closing time.
How To Decide Which Loire Valley Castles to Visit?
Read this article, 10 Enchanting Loire Valley Castles, to help you plan your Loire Valley trip.
9 Reasons To Visit Château de Chenonceau
1. It Is An Architectural Marvel
Visit Château de Chenonceau and be astounded by its breathtaking beauty. The masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with its elegant façades, towers, turrets, and intricate details, gives the castle a fairytale-like appearance. And then there’s the show-stopper! The five-arched bridge stretches over the River Cher with the Gallery over top. No wonder the Château de Chenonceau is considered one of the most beautiful French castles.
Photographers will love playing with the different angles and reflections of this Loire Valley castle in the Cher River. Depending on the time of year, the water levels will rise and fall giving the Château de Chenonceau unique appearances.
2. The Unique Location Of The Château de Chenonceau
The Château de Chenonceau is located in France’s Loire Valley which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chenonceau is situated on the tranquil River Cher surrounded by greenery – forests and beautiful gardens. The picturesque setting adds to the enchanting experience when you visit Château de Chenonceau.
3. The Fascinating Stories Of The Ladies’ Château
“Why is the Château de Chenonceau known as the “Château de Dames?” is a question that needs investigating when visiting the Château de Chenonceau. Remarkably, ladies have played a significant role in the evolution and history of the Château de Chenonceau, the “Ladies Castle.” Here is a brief introduction to six important women in the castle’s rich history.
Katherine Briçonnet
Thomas Bohier’s wife Katherine Briçonnet was the first notable woman associated with the Ladies Castle. She oversaw the construction of the original château from 1513 to 1517.
Diane de Poitiers
King Henry II’s mistress Diane de Poitiers was gifted the Château de Chenonceau by the King. Diane de Poitiers made significant improvements to the Château de Chenonceau’s design, including the addition of the five-arched bridge over the River Cher.
Catherine de Médicis
After King Henry II’s death, his wife Catherine de’ Medici forced Diane de Poitiers to exchange Chenonceau for the Château de Chaumont. Catherine de’ Medici made improvements to the Château de Chenonceau including the addition of the Gallery on the bridge. Designed by architect Jean Bullant, it was here that she hosted lavish parties and events.
Louise of Lorraine
Louise of Lorraine, wife of King Henry III inherited the Château de Chenonceau from her mother-in-law, Catherine de’ Medici. When Henri III was assassinated in 1589, Louise de Lorraine fell into a deep depression. Black tapestries stitched in white with symbols of mourning and death lined the walls in Louise de Lorraine’s bedroom. Louise de Lorraine always dressed in white, the traditional mourning colour of French queens, earning her the nickname of the White Queen, “la Reine Blanche.”
With her death in 1601, the castle fell into disarray for more than a century.
Louise Dupin
Another significant woman in the history of Chenonceau Castle is Madame Louise Dupin who acquired the castle along with her wealthy husband, Claude Dupin, in 1777. Madame Dupin restored the Château de Chenonceau to its former grandeur and welcomed famous writers such as Voltaire, Rousseau and, Montesquieu into her literary salon. It is said that her strong relationship with the villagers saved the Château de Chenonceau from being destroyed during the French Revolution.
Simone Menier
Henri Menier, heir to the Menier chocolate empire, purchased the castle in 1913 from the de Vibraye family. The Menier family were the owners of the Château de Chenonceau through both World Wars. During the First World War, the castle was used as a hospital. Henri’s wife, Simone Menier, was in charge of the hospital that was in the castle’s grand gallery. More than 2000 wounded soldiers were cared for here. During the Second World War, the Château de Chenonceau was a border crossing between Nazi-occupied France and the Free Zone.
Read More | My recommended day trips from Paris. The most popular Paris day trip is to the glittering UNESCO World Heritage Site, Château of Versailles. Also, close to Paris is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Château de Fontainebleau. If the French monarchy interests you, head to the Basilica of St. Denis to see where the kings are laid to rest.
4. The Arts And Interior
Visit Château de Chenonceau and be suitably impressed by the interior. There are 20 richly furnished rooms open to the public. Lined with period masterpieces and intricate tapestries, these spaces tell a story of the castles’ past and the people who lived in this French castle.
The opulent bedrooms, the small chapel, and the library are all magnificent but the crowning glory of the interior of the Château de Chenonceau is the Grand Gallery. It truly is the most distinctive and impressive feature of the estate. Its length of 66 yards (60 m) with its white walls, black and white slate floor and 18 arched windows are breathtaking. It’s light, airy, and flowy! It’s easy to imagine luxurious balls being hosted here.
The kitchen of the Château de Chenonceau is another highlight of the interior of the castle. It is located on the lower level and dates back to the 16th century. As you enter, you can immediately feel the rustic charm of the space with its stone walls and the large fireplace. It’s easy to imagine the castle’s chefs bustling around this space, preparing lavish feasts.
5. The Extensive Gardens
When you visit Château de Chenonceau, it is essential to leave time to explore the stunning gardens. The estate has a vast array of well-manicured gardens with multiple themes. Wander along the tranquil pathways in the garden of Catherine de Medici for a spectacular view of the west façade of the Château de Chenonceau. Linger by the circular pond, and enjoy the rose bushes, lavender and the five lawns.
The Diane de Poitiers garden, a true garden of the Renaissance, is geometrically designed and full of shrubs, yew trees, and climbing roses. In the summer more than 100 hibiscus trees are in bloom. The gardens have been restored to their original grandeur and provide a peaceful and serene ambience.
The Jardin Vert or Green Garden is host to a magnificent array of trees including two Douglas firs, three blue cedars, and two Giant Sequoias.
And when you visit Château de Chenonceau are you brave enough to wander through the maze or Le Labryinthe? The maze is made up of more than 2,000 yew trees and was designed in the classical Italian style. The yew trees are trimmed and maintained to create winding pathways and low walls that visitors must navigate to reach the centre of the maze. At the centre of the maze is a small raised pavilion that provides a panoramic view of the entire garden.
Leave time to explore the Russell Page Garden and the Vegetable and Flower Garden.
6. Historical Significance
Visit Château de Chenonceau and its historical significance comes to light.
- The Tour des Marques is the last vestige of the fortified medieval castle and mill from the 12th century and 13th century. This tower stands to the right, separately, as you approach the Château de Chenonceau.
- Note the main wooden door, dating back to King François I. Look for the salamander emblem of Francois I and also the arms of Thomas Bohier on the left and the arms of his wife on the right.
- In World War One from 1914 to 1918, the Château de Chenonceau was converted into a military hospital. Over 2000 wounded soldiers were nursed in the Grand Gallery.
- In World War Two, the River Cher was the demarcation line between the occupied zone and the free zone. The entrance to the Chateau de Chenonceau was on the occupied zone right bank. Cross the Gallery of Chenonceau to the doorway on the left bank and find the free zone. The Menier family helped many people escape.
7. Wine Tasting In The Domes Wine Cellar
The châteaux of the Loire Valley are the region’s largest claim to fame but close behind are the Loire Valley wines. The Loire Valley is the third largest wine region in France with vineyards stretching along the banks of the Loire River, the longest river in France.
When you visit Château de Chenonceau, stop by the wine cellar, La Cave des Dômes, open from mid-March to mid-November. Under 16th-century vaulted ceilings, indulge in a wine tasting of local wine made from vineyards on the Chenonceau Domain. On offer is an AOC Touraine Chenonceaux wine which is also available for purchase. The bottle with the Chenonceau label is a great reminder of the Château de Chenonceau visit!
8. The 16th-Century Farm
When you visit Château de Chenonceau, leave a little time to wander the 16th-century farm. A series of 16th century buildings including Catherine de’ Medici’s stables are a delight to explore. At the farm, you’ll find the floral workshop where florists work to create fresh bouquets for each room in the château. Perhaps the magnificent flower arrangements are the key to the beautiful feminine energy felt at the Château de Chenonceau.
9. Special Events and Exhibitions
The Château de Chenonceau often hosts special events and exhibitions
December 2, 2023, to January 7, 2024: At Christmas time, the château is in full Christmas spectacle with guided tours, evening light shows, workshops such as “The Art of French Living” and live musicians.
Hotels Near Château de Chenonceau
Can you stay at Château de Chenonceau? No, it is not open to overnight guests but there is plenty of accommodation nearby.
This 3-star hotel has superb reviews and is 0.4 mi (700 m) from the Château de Chenonceau. This hotel is located in a château and is 3.7 mi (6 km) from the Château de Chenonceau.
Staying in Amboise is also an option when visiting the Château de Chenonceau. This 4-star manor is in Amboise.
Guided Day Tours To The Loire Valley
Take all the worries out of planning a day trip and join a guided tour which includes several Loire Valley Castles. Here are 5 of the best Loire Valley Tours from Paris.
This might be exactly how to visit the castle: Private Guided Tour of the Château de Chenonceau
Guided Tours From Tours or Amboise to the Loire Valley Castles: A half-day tour to the Château de Chenonceau, a full-day trip to Chambord and Chenonceau.
Visit Château de Chenonceau! My French friends were right. The magnificent Château de Chenonceau leaves an indelible impression.
Until next time,
More Travel Info…
Resources For Travelling France:
Paris:
Here are my most popular Paris resources: 25 Essential Paris Travel Tips. If you like getting off the beaten path, here are 25 hidden gems in Paris. Really want to explore secret Paris? There are over 60 secret spots in my eBook, Paris for the Curious Stroller. Uncover Paris right here.
More French Castles:
You may want to visit Chambord in the Loire Valley, Chaumont-sur-Loire in the Loire Valley and the Château de Brissac, a family-owned castle. And don’t miss the stunning Azay-le-Rideau!
Chantilly is the perfect day trip from Paris.
Versailles, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous of French castles is also just a day trip from Paris.
Other Regions In France:
Normandy is another beloved region of France for locals and visitors alike. Read 19 Wonderful Things To Do in Normandy France to help you plan your itinerary in this region.
Brittany France is on many people’s France Bucket List! Here are 13 Reasons to Fall in Love with Brittany France.
Provence is always a winner. Follow this 7-day itinerary for a great trip.
The Dordogne Valley is a little less-discovered and a fabulous region to plan a holiday.
And a trip to le Pays Basque is never a bad idea! Start here in Biarritz.
