Chenonceau Castle
What to expect
In the heart of the Loire Valley lies the Chenonceau Castle, undoubtedly one of its most exquisite gems. This castle, built in the 16th century over the charming Cher River, is the second most visited historical site in France after the Palace of Versailles. Chenonceau is truly exceptional in every aspect: its elegant architecture symbolizes France's radiance, a decoration adorned with an impressive collection of artworks, magnificent gardens along the Cher, and lastly, a unique history that earned it the nickname "Château des Dames" (Castle of the Ladies).2019 Schedule
Chenonceau Castle is open every day of the year.
January 1 to February 8: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
February 9 to April 5: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
April 6 to May 29: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
May 30 to July 5: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
July 6 to August 18: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm
August 19 to September 29: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
September 30 to November 11: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
November 12 to December 20: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
December 21 to December 31: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Holiday weekends:
Easter (April 20 to 22): 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
May 1 and May 8 (April 27 to May 12): 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Ascension (May 30 to June 2): 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Practical Information
- Entry is free for children under 7 years old.
- Visitors have access to several equipped and comfortable picnic areas on-site. Covered at the green parking level, uncovered at the domain entrance.
- Pets are welcome. Dogs must be kept on a leash in the gardens, and small pets in arms or in a basket inside the castle.
- Ticket cancellation policy: non-cancellable, non-refundable.
Access
| Getting to Chenonceau Castle | |
|---|---|
| Train |
From Paris Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes: take the TGV from Paris (Montparnasse station) to Tours (Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station), then the TER Tours-Chenonceaux. From Tours Approximately 25 minutes: Take the TER Tours-Chenonceaux. The SNCF station is located about 400 meters from the Château. |
| Car | Access: From the A10 motorway, take exit 18 (Château-Renault/Amboise) then travel about ten kilometers on the D31 (to Amboise) then 8 kilometers on the D81 to Chenonceaux. GPS coordinates of Château de Chenonceau: 47.3249 and 1.07029 Parking: Free parking. |
History of Chenonceau Castle
The feminine history of Chenonceau Castle begins in 1547 when Henri II gives it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. The king dies about ten years later, and it's the turn of his widow, Catherine de Medici, to assert her rights over the domain. Thus begins a true artistic rivalry between the two women, which will make Chenonceau a unique place. Diane's fountain surrounded by her sumptuous flowerbeds is answered by Catherine's "garden of curiosities" planted with orange trees and roses, with a menagerie and an artificial cave. The feminine destiny of Chenonceau continues through the ages. After the White Queen of Lorraine, Catherine de Medici's daughter-in-law, it's yet another woman, Diane Dupin, an enlightened mind and woman of letters, who will save the castle from the French Revolution. Throughout the centuries, the greatest thinkers, the freest spirits, and the most innovative minds have succeeded at Chenonceau.
It has now become a symbol of the French way of life where harmony vies with serenity. Within its walls, you will discover an exceptional collection of paintings by grand masters: Murillo, Le Tintoret, Nicolas Poussin, Rubens... worthy of the greatest museums, as well as a rare selection of 16th-century Flemish tapestries. The tour will lead you into richly furnished and flowered rooms (one of the peculiarities of the place that makes it so lively and refined): the chambers of the 5 queens, the grand gallery overlooking the Cher River, the kitchens built directly into the bridge's piers, or Catherine de Medici's green cabinet. The most beautiful hours of French royalty await you around every corner.
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Map
37150 Chenonceaux
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