The Château de Chenonceau, towering above the River Cher, is an emblematic monument of the Loire Valley. Its medieval origins, but especially its Renaissance architecture, have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It houses a rich collection of paintings and rare 16th century Flanders tapestries.
That's not all! The estate, visited by nearly 900,000 visitors each year, has gardens and many other places to discover, which we will present to you in this article.
Find all our tips (direction of visit, map, accommodation nearby...) to visit the Chateau de Chenonceau, also called "the Ladies' Castle".
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Château de Chenonceau?
Is the Château de Chenonceau worth it? Our opinion:
The visit of the castle of Chenonceau is a must in the Loire Valley! It is one of our favorite castles in Touraine and the Loire Valley.
We particularly appreciated the play of lights and reflections of the castle on the Cher river. The fact that it is built on the river allows for beautiful views from most of the rooms. Speaking of the interior, we loved the richness of the ceilings, decorations, and furnishings.
Finally, as far as the estate's grounds are concerned, we had a crush on the little-known "Russell Page Tribute Garden", a contemporary landscape designer. It is a small haven of peace preserved from the influx of visitors.
Why is the Château de Chenonceau famous?
The castle of Chenonceau is above all famous for its double storey gallery. Resting on massive arches, it unfolds over the Cher River. This architectural feature is what makes this historical monument so unique and elegant.
It should also be noted that this gallery is called "the Medici gallery", in echo to the history of the castle. Indeed, Catherine de Medici was one of the many women to embellish and settle in the castle of Chenonceau. This earned the monument the nickname of "Ladies' Castle".
WHERE TO STAY IN Amboise
Downtown
To enjoy the city, its restaurants and castles, we recommend:
- Hotel Le Manoir Saint Thomas - view prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Le Manoir des Minimes - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien - prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Charming places nearby. We recommend..:
- Hotel Château du Perreux - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Château de Pray - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Chateau de Nazelles - prices, pictures and availability
History in brief: the Ladies' Castle
A medieval castle
The history of the castle of Chenonceau begins in the 13th century. At that time, a castle and a mill were built on the estate. The Marques family, owner, can thus control the river traffic. When the Hundred Years' War broke out, Jean Marques surrendered the castle to English troops. Taken over by the French in 1411, it was destroyed, before being rebuilt with the authorization of King Charles VII. Today, only the dungeon remains, called "la Tour des Marques".
A Renaissance castle
Indeed, the castle will be transformed by its various owners. The successor of the Marques family, who lost the estate due to financial difficulties, is Thomas Bohier. Secretary of Finance for kings Louis XI, Charles VIII, Louis XII and François I, he was rarely present at Chenonceau and left his wife Katherine Briçonnet to supervise the construction of a new castle. The works took place between 1513 and 1521, and gave birth to a castle inspired by the Italian Rennaissance, where nevertheless Gothic elements persist.
A royal castle
The castle was taken over by the Crown in 1535. This allows the king of France Henri II, to offer it to his favorite Diane de Poitiers. She had a garden laid out in her name, as well as the bridge linking the castle to the left bank of the river. After the death of Henri II, his wife Catherine de Medici forced Diane de Poitiers to leave the place. She took over the supervision of the works, having a garden built in her name, as well as the galleries on the bridge. Ruined, she died in 1589.
It is then Louise de Lorraine, widow of Henri III, who will live in the domain. She is considered the "white queen" of the castle of Chenonceau, having lived in austerity while mourning her husband until his death.
A private castle in the 18th and 19th centuries
The estate remained the property of this royal family until the middle of the 18th century. Claude Dupin, a wealthy financier, acquired it and carried out major renovations. His wife Louise Dupin held a salon there, gathering the intellectual elite of the Enlightenment (Montesquieu, Voltaire...).
In the 19th century, a new woman left her mark on Chenonceau. Marguerite Pelouze, a member of the industrial bourgeoisie, spent lavishly to embellish the estate and its castle, which has been listed since 1840. It was then resold several times, until it became part of the Menier family, which still owns it today.
Chenonceau at the time of the 20th century conflicts
Finally, the area is marked by the two world wars. It shelters a military hospital during the Great War, then the large gallery is used as a clandestine passage towards the free zone during the Second World War.
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Virtual visit of the château on video
Practical advice and map of Chateau de Chenonceau, France
Where is the Château de Chenonceau
The castle of Chenonceau is located in the small village of Chenonceaux, in the department of Indre-et-Loire. The address is as follows: Château de Chenonceau, 37150, Chenonceaux.
- Driving time from Nantes: 02h30min.
- Driving time from Tours: 40min.
- Driving time from Angers: 01h30min.
- Driving time from Blois: 45min.
- Driving time from Orleans: 01h30min.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
How to get there
The car is the easiest way to visit the region, but the Chenonceau estate is also accessible by train. Only 400m separates the ticket office from the station of Chenonceaux, connected to Tours in 25min by a TER. Tours is served by regular TGV lines.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
You can go to the domain by bus, for 3€. The line C (Tours-Montlouis-Amboise-Montrichard) of the network 37, Remi (network of interurban mobility of the Loire Valley) serves the Castle of Chenonceau. From Tours, you will reach the domain in 1h30. Make sure the schedule is convenient for you beforehand, and find out about the region's discovery passes on the official website.
What about discovering Chenonceau and other castles of the Loire Valley by bike? It is possible to follow the "Coeur de France à Vélo" itinerary along the Cher river (32km from Tours and the Beauval Zoo) or the "la voie royale" loop from Amboise (45km round trip). Most of the trains in the region are equipped to accommodate your bikes. The Loire à Vélo service even offers to transport your bike by train from Nantes, Le Croisic, Orleans and Tours for free!
Parking
At the entrance to the estate, you will find large parking lots, accessible free of charge to visitors.
3 electrical terminals are also available free of charge. Count on 2h30 of recharge time.
Moreover, you will find a parking lot reserved for 2 wheels, bicycles, and camping-cars.
A large additional parking lot is reserved for buses.
Best time to visit the Castle
In order to make the most of the castle and its gardens, we recommend that you visit in April, May, June, or September. The months of July and August are the peak tourist season. The peak times are between 10am and 5pm, especially on weekends and during school vacations. If you want to be quiet for your visit, reserve your time at the opening or at the end of the day.
If you enjoy the enchanting winter surroundings, don't hesitate to visit the domain in winter: it is open! For the end of the year celebrations, the castle is decorated with Christmas decorations and offers a special event program.
How long to visit the castle and main difficulties
It takes a minimum of 4 hours to visit the castle and the entire estate. The park is not too big. 5km of walking are necessary to go around it (excluding the forest).
The ground is not very difficult. There are however some stairs and steps inside the castle.
Free lockers are available at the entrance to deposit your luggage and other bulky items. It is also possible to borrow a wheelchair at the reception/ticket office for people with reduced mobility. The gardens are accessible, as well as the first floor of the castle thanks to an access ramp. The floors and the basement are not, a guided video tour allows you to visualize the different rooms of the monument. The store, restaurants and toilets are adapted.
You will find toilets at the entrance of the domain, but also near the gallery of the Domes.
Animals are allowed in the domain. Dogs must be kept on a leash in the park. To visit the castle, only guide dogs and small dogs (as long as they are in a basket or in their master's arms) are allowed.
Advice on how to visit
We preferred to start our visit with the castle, in order to circulate there without a big crowd. We then discovered the different gardens, the Gallery of the Domes, the Gallery of the carriages and the 16th century farm, the flower garden, the labyrinth and the donkey park.
However, you can follow the direction of the visit indicated on the official guidebook that you will find at the entrance of the domain. It is recommended to start with the left part of the park (labyrinth, Diane de Poitiers' garden), then to visit the castle and finally the right part of the park (from Catherine de Medici's garden to the donkey park).
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The Castle of Chenonceau with children
For your visit to the castle of Chenonceau with your little ones, strollers are available at the entrance of the domain. With a stroller, you can access the whole park and the first floor of the castle. Baby bottle warmers are available in the various restaurants on the estate, as well as changing tables in the restrooms.
There is no special tour for children. However, they will have a lot of fun with the labyrinth or the donkey park.
Schedules and rates
The opening hours of the castle change throughout the year. Here is the detailed information:
- From January 1 to January 2: 9:30am-5:30pm.
- From January 3 to April 8: 9:30am-4:30pm.
- From April 9 to May 29: 9am-5:30pm.
- From May 30 to July 8: 9am-6pm.
- From July 9 to August 28: 9am-7pm.
- From August 29 to September 30: 9am-6:30pm.
- From October 1 to November 1: 9am-5:30pm.
- From November 2 to December 16: 9:30am-4:30pm.
- From December 17 to December 31: 9:30am-5:30pm.
The domain is open from 9am to 7pm on public holidays (Easter, Labor Day, Armistice Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost).
Book your tickets in advance! The visit of the castle is subject to time slots.
As for the rates, you can find them below:
- Full adult price: 15,50€ / 19,50€ (audioguide included)
- Children's rate (from 7 to 18 years old): 12,50€ / 14,50€ (audioguide included)
- Reduced price for students: 12,50€ / 14,50€ (audioguide included)
- Free for children under 7 years old.
See all the preferential rates and schedules on the official website.
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Guided tours and organized tours
Many tours are organized from Paris and Tours. Here is our selection:
- Day trip from Tours, visit of Chenonceau and Chambord: this tour offers you a commented visit in English and French in a small group of these two emblematic castles of the Loire. The +: a lunch with local products at the private castle of Villesavin. See prices, photos, and availability.
- Day trip from Paris, visit of Chenonceau, Chambord and Amboise: a guide will accompany you to discover these three Renaissance castles with maps and old pictures. See prices, photos, and availability.
- Day trip from Tours and Amboise, visit of Chenonceau, Amboise and the Clos-Lucé: the visit of Chenonceau is followed by a wine tasting with an oenologist in Amboise. You will then visit the castle of Amboise and Clos Lucé, in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci. See prices, photos, and availability.
If you want to take a guided tour of the castle, you should check the agenda of activities on the official website. Ask for information at thetourist office of Chenonceaux.
Dining at the castle and Chenonceaux
In the field of
You have a wide choice of restaurants in the domain and in the village of Chenonceaux.
If you wish to eat on the go, you will find "the kiosk" near the parking lots, at the entrance of the domain before the ticket office. You can buy snacks (drinks, ice creams etc.) at any time. In the same way but this time inside the domain, you can stop at the Gloriette for a little hunger (sandwiches, pastries, drinks...). La Gloriette, which is located behind the Chancellery (Diane de Poitiers' garden), is open from 12:00 to 17:00.
You can also bring a picnic lunch. A covered area is located at the parking lot but you will also find an open area at the entrance of the domain.
Prefer a hot meal? Just go to the summer snack bar in the dome building. This restaurant in the castle offers fast food, with a cold buffet and hot dishes (served only between 11am and 2:30pm). It has a large room inside the former royal stables of the domain, as well as a very pleasant terrace in the beautiful days. It is open every day from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
If you would rather enjoy your visit to the estate to taste the wines of Chenonceaux, go down to the cellar of the domes, located in the building of the domes, in the basement. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30 and from 13:00 to 18:00, you can buy boxes of one to three bottles.
In the village of Chenonceaux
Finally, if you have finished your visit, you will find some restaurants and wine bars in the village of Chenonceaux. 5 minutes from the castle, you can go to the Auberge du bon Laboureur for a gastronomic lunch. If you are not very hungry, choose a wine bar instead. We went to the grocery store where we could eat local products on the spot.
Lodgings in the vicinity
Some hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the castle of Chenonceau. Here is a selection if you wish to stay in the village or in the neighbouring villages:
- Auberge du Bon Laboureur (5 stars): charming 18th century hotel, 500m from the castle with swimming pool and Scandinavian baths, see prices, photos and availability.
- Logis Hotel Clair cottage: in Chisseaux, in a peaceful environment including a breakfast with homemade products, see prices, photos and availability.
- Le Clos de la Rousselière: guest house in Francueil with a nice terrace, a garden and a barbecue, see prices, pictures and availability.
- Moulin de Francueil: a charming manor house with a large outdoor pool and a beautiful garden, see prices, photos and availability .
- Bella Simonetta: Quiet guesthouse with billiard table and outdoor pool open in season, see prices, photos and availability.
Want to sleep in the fresh air? We recommend the Moulin-Fort campsite (3 stars), in a village bordering Chenonceaux, Francueil. On the banks of the Cher River, this campground has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a small photo museum and a playground and games room.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The visit of the castle: from the guard room to the green cabinet
The facade and the guard room
Before entering the castle, admire its façade. You can guess the structure of the castle: a Renaissance main building, flanked by two corner turrets resting on the foundations of the old medieval mill.
Take a look at the front door, from the François I period. Made of painted and carved wood, you can see the arms of Thomas Bohier (left) and his wife Katherine Briçonnet (right), surmounted by an inscription to the glory of François I and his emblem, the salamander.
Begin the tour by entering the guard room on your left. This room is aptly named because it was where the soldiers in charge of the royal protection stood. By the way, look at the ceiling, you will see the double "C", symbol of Catherine de Medici. In the same way, you can see again the coat of arms of Thomas Bohier above the fireplace.
The walls are adorned with a series of tapestries from Flanders, while on the floor are visible the remains of a majolica of the sixteenth century, that is to say, an Italian earthenware.
The chapel
The visit continues in the chapel, which stands out clearly from the rest of the building from the outside. Pay attention to the leaves of the oak door: Christ and St. Thomas are represented.
The chapel is richly decorated. In the loggia on the right, you can admire a bas-relief in Carrara marble representing a virgin and child. The walls are decorated with religious paintings, mainly from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Finally, the stained glass windows above the 16th century royal gallery are reproductions dating from 1954. Indeed, the original stained glass windows were destroyed during the Second World War.
Louise Dupin was responsible for saving this chapel during the Revolution. The former owner of the estate had the idea of masking its religious character by using it as a wood store.
The room of Diane de Poitiers
After visiting the chapel, go back to the guard room and take the passage at the end of the room: it will lead you to the room of Diane de Poitiers. You will be impressed by the richness of this room, which includes sumptuous Renaissance furniture. It is highlighted by two Flemish tapestries of the sixteenth century which represent respectively "The Triumph of Strength" and "The Triumph of Charity".
But what caught our eye most in this room was its massive fireplace, which is attributed to Jean Goujon, a sculptor from the Fontainebleau School. Note the initials of Catherine de Medici and Henry II, which are found on the coffered ceiling. These royal decorations do not date from the time of Diane de Poitiers, but from the owner of the castle in the 19th century, Marguerite Pelouze.
Beautiful paintings also adorn the room. Admire the portrait of Catherine de Medici by Sauvage on the mantelpiece, or the Virgin and Child by the Spanish painter Murillo on its right. Below, a library houses the castle's archives.
The Green Cabinet and the bookshop
On your left, a corridor leads you to the green cabinet. Catherine de Medici was working there when she became regent of the kingdom of France after the death of her husband Henri II. What strikes the visitor in this room is a 15th century Brussels tapestry. In tones between green and blue, the fauna and flora of America are displayed.
On either side of the door stand two 16th century Italian cabinets.
A collection of paintings by the great masters (Tintoretto, Jordaens, Veronese, Poussin, Van Dyck...) completes this sublime setting.
Other works (Correggio, Andrea del Sarto...) are present in the adjacent room. Transformed into a bookstore over the centuries, it was originally the office of Catherine de Medici. If the view on the banks of the Cher is magnificent, don't forget to look up. Dating from 1525, the Italian style oak ceiling is one of the first known coffered ceilings in France! It also bears the initials of Thomas Bohier and Katherine Briçonnet.
The visit of the castle: from the first floor gallery to the vestibule
The gallery
Retrace your steps to the room of Diane de Poitiers. At the other end of the room, a small passage allows you to access the gallery directly. This room is the most emblematic of the castle, and even of all the monuments of the Loire Valley. You will be struck by its length (60m) and its beauty. The ceiling with exposed joists, the checkerboard floor, as well as the walls decorated with 19th century medallions depicting historical figures, contribute to the elegance of this ballroom inaugurated in 1577. It unfolds over the 5 arches of the bridge of Diane de Poitiers and was built at the request of Catherine de Medici by Jean Bullant, who also worked on the construction of the Tuileries Palace and the Château d'Ecouen.
Take time to admire the views of the Cher River from the 18 bays of the gallery.
Go to the end of this ballroom. At each end, Renaissance fireplaces stand. The one opposite the entrance is actually a decoration. It frames the door that leads to a drawbridge allowing access to the left bank of the Cher, where a former owner of the castle, Louise Dupin, is buried. This access was used by many people seeking to cross into the free zone during the Second World War, the river then materializing the demarcation line. A German battery was ready to destroy the castle during the whole war!
During the Great War, Gaston Menier, the great-grandfather of the current owner of the estate, set up a military hospital in the castle. You have to imagine that there were fifty beds and an operating room within these walls!
The basement kitchens
Now head for the exit of the gallery. On your left, take the stairs leading to the basement of the castle where the kitchens are located. The first vaulted room is the office. Its 16th century fireplace is the largest in the castle!
Just next door, you can see a period bread oven.
The pantry serves the other rooms in the basement: a dining room which was reserved for the castle staff, a pantry, but also a butchery and the kitchen itself.
You will easily recognize the butcher shop where you can still see the hooks where the meat was hung.
Finally, the kitchen has more modern equipment. This equipment was necessary during the transformation of the castle into a hospital during the First World War.
The Salon François I
Go up to the first floor and enter the room on your left. You are in the Francois I lounge. This room is once again richly decorated. We particularly appreciated the Renaissance fireplace with its finely carved ornaments. Will you be able to find Thomas Bohier's motto?
Our other favorite is a 16th century Italian cabinet, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and pen-and-ink ivory. It is a wedding gift to the grandson of Francis I, Francis II, and his wife, Mary Stuart.
You will also see masterpieces of the 16th and 17th centuries (Primaticcio, Zurbaran, Van Dyck, Van Loo, Ravesteyn).
The Louis XIV Salon
From the salon François I, a corridor gives direct access to the salon Louis XIV. Just as luxurious as the previous one, this room presents a collection of 17th and 18th century paintings (Van Loo, Nattier, Mignard, Rubens). The most impressive is undoubtedly the portrait of Louis XIV by Mignard, which the king offered in 1650 to his uncle the Duke of Vendome. The frame, composed of 4 pieces in gilded wood, designed by Lepautre, is very imposing.
Don't forget to look at the furniture covered with Aubusson tapestries, as well as the Boulle console under the portrait of Louis XIV.
Finally, look up and you will see the initials of Thomas Bohier and Katherine Briçonnet on the cornice. On the mantelpiece, notice the emblems of François I and his wife Claude de France, namely the salamander and the ermine.
The vestibule and the staircase
Leaving the Louis XIV room, you find yourself in the entrance of the castle, with its vaulted hallway.
Made in 1515, it is a beautiful example of decorative sculpture from the early French Renaissance. The ornamentation of the baskets as well as the two niches above the doors, housing in particular a statue of St. John the Baptist, testify to this.
The vestibule opens onto one of the first straight staircases built in France, inspired by Italian architecture. Observe the very diverse decoration (human figures, fruits, flowers) of the keystones and caissons.
Remember to stop on the landing to enjoy the view of the river before climbing the second part of the stairs.
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The visit of the castle: from the vestibule of Katherine Briçonnet to the print room
The vestibule of Katherine Briçonnet
At the exit of the staircase, you find yourself in the vestibule of Katherine Briçonnet. The floor is paved with small terracotta tiles, while the walls are covered with a suite of 6 tapestries from Oudenaarde (in Belgium) dating from the 17th century. These are hunting scenes made from cartoons by the Flemish painter Van der Meulen. The doors are surmounted by marble medallions of Roman emperors, brought from Italy by Catherine de Medici.
The lobby opens onto a balcony offering visitors a view of the trademark tower and the two main gardens of the estate.
The room of the Five Queens
Now head to the room of the five queens, which is located on the left side as you exit the staircase. The name given to the room refers to the daughters (Queen Margot, Elizabeth of France) and daughters-in-law of Catherine de Medici (Mary Stuart, Louise of Lorraine, Elizabeth of Austria). If the fireplace is in Renaissance style, the rest of the furniture is Gothic. On the walls, you can see some paintings (Rubens, Mignard...) but also and especially a suite of Flemish tapestries of the 16th century, representing in particular scenes of the Odyssey of Ulysses.
The 16th century coffered ceiling is composed of the panelling of Louise de Lorraine's antechamber, located on the upper floor. It particularly caught our attention.
The room of Catherine de Medici
The visit continues in the adjoining room, that of Catherine de Medici. The wooden ceiling with painted and gilded square coffers is decorated with the initials of the regent. The 16th century Flanders tapestries are once again remarkable. This time they represent biblical scenes from the life of Samson. You can also see a masterpiece by Correggio, "The Education of Love".
However, it was the four-poster bed that stood out to us the most in this room. Like the fireplace and the tiled floor, it is in the Renaissance style. The friezes, the pilasters, and the portraits inspired by ancient medals, show it.
The Cabinet of Prints
From the room of Catherine de Medici, you can access two small apartments that make up the cabinet of prints. The first one has a painted ceiling and a beautiful fireplace, marked by the taste of Louise Dupin, owner of the domain in the XVIIIth century.
The second room overlooks the Cher River and presents a very interesting collection of drawings, engravings and prints, with the theme of the architectural evolution of the castle over the centuries.
The visit of the castle: from the Medici gallery to the room of Louise de Lorraine
The Medici Gallery
Go back to the room of Catherine de Medici and take a tour in the gallery of the same name. You will discover a rich collection of paintings, tapestries, furniture and art objects.
You will also see a cabinet of curiosities, exhibiting for example earthenware dishes.
Nevertheless, the main objective of this gallery is to deepen the knowledge of the visitors about the history of the castle, its construction stages, and about the life of the women who embellished it. Documents and archives are presented.
The room of César de Vendôme
Turn around and enter the first room on your left. It is the one of César de Vendôme. César de Vendôme became the owner of the estate in 1624. He received it as an inheritance from his father Henry IV. This room has the same type of decoration as the previous ones: a beautiful ceiling with exposed beams, Renaissance furniture, a painting by Murillo and 3 tapestries from Brussels dating from the 17th century, illustrating mythological scenes. The fireplace was gilded and painted in the 19th century with the coat of arms of Thomas Bohier.
The originality of this room lies in the presence of 2 wooden caryatids of the 17th century, which frame the window.
The room of Gabrielle d'Estrées
The adjoining room is none other than that of Gabrielle d'Estrées, mother of César de Vendôme. This woman was the favorite of Henry IV, and was temporarily owner of the castle at the expense of Louise de Lorraine, before giving it back to her for political reasons. The furniture, the ceiling, the floor and the fireplace are in Renaissance style. A Flemish tapestry near the canopy bed from the 16th century depicts scenes from castle life, while the others, dated from the 17th century and made in Brussels, represent the months of the year. Above the door, you can see a child with a lamb by the Spanish Baroque painter Ribalta.
If this room is less marked by the profusion of decoration than the other rooms, it is very luminous because of many windows.
The vestibule of the second floor and the room of Louise de Lorraine
Now go up the stairs in Katherine Briçonnet's hallway. You then arrive in the vestibule of the second floor. You can see again a tapestry of Oudenaarde of the 16th century, illustrating a battle. If the floor paving and the furniture are Renaissance, the rest of this hallway is marked by the restorations made in the 19th century by the architect Félix Roguet, a disciple of Viollet-le-Duc. This architect, who among other things designed the Paris City Hall and the Tour Saint-Jacques, was commissioned to refurbish the castle by the owner at the time, Marguerite Pelouze.
The vestibule serves only one room: Louise de Lorraine's bedroom. Let's remember that Louise de Lorraine, wife of Henri III, retired to Chenonceau after his assassination. This room is therefore particularly known for its austere decoration, recalling mourning and prayer. A religious scene adorns the mantelpiece, and the 16th century bed and furniture are very dark.
The original ceiling is animated by symbols (feathers, silver tears, widows' cords, crowns of thorns), referring to mourning.
Did you like the interior of the castle? Reserve your visit now!
The visit of the gardens
The Garden of Diane de Poitiers
The visit of the castle is now over, let's go to the garden of Diane de Poitiers. Cross the courtyard and turn to your right once you have descended the stairs. You will pass a small building, the Chancellery, which was the house of the steward of Catherine de Medici, and find yourself in a splendid garden. It is the very first to have been designed in the field, according to the wish of Diane de Poitiers. To do this, the ground was raised to protect it from the floods of the Cher River. On the Italian model, a fountain was placed in the center of the parterre. At that time, not only flowers, but also vegetables and fruit trees were grown.
Today, this 12,000-hectare garden is divided into two perpendicular and two diagonal paths, forming eight triangles of lawn decorated with plant scrolls. We owe this composition to the 19th century landscape artist Achille Duchêne. Especially in spring and fall, you will see a wide variety of flowers, but it is in summer that you will see the blooming of a hundred hibiscus on stems.
Finally, this garden offers a magnificent view of the eastern facade of the castle!
The Garden of Catherine de Medici
Turn back to go to the garden of Catherine de Medici, which is opposite that of Diane de Poitiers. The atmosphere is very different as it spreads over 5,500 m2. It consists of five grass panels, bordered by boxwoods trimmed into balls. They extend around a circular basin.
Twice a year, 10,000 flower plants are planted (roses, lavender...).
From the garden of Catherine de Medici, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the western facade of the castle on the river.
The Green Garden
Next to the Catherine de Medici garden, you will find a 19th century English park. Called the green garden, it was laid out according to the will of the Countess of Villeneuve, who owned the castle in inheritance after Louise and Claude Dupin. The interest of this park lies in its exceptional trees (blue cedars, redwoods, firs, holm oak...). An orangery, where Catherine de Medici housed her menagerie and aviaries, is also located in this garden.
The Russell Page Tribute Garden
The estate's newest garden was dedicated in June 2018. On the decision of the current owner of the castle, Laure Menier, this garden was designed according to the sketches of Russell Page, a great contemporary landscape designer. It was designed by the castle's current botanical director, Nicholas Tomlan, who was inspired by Russell Page's gardens in Normandy.
Sculptures by François Xavier Lalanne are installed on both sides of the garden.
This peaceful, enclosed garden was a real favorite!
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Discover the other wonders of the park
The gallery and the cellar of the Domes
From the Russell Page Tribute Garden, retrace your steps. The gallery or building of the Domes is located at the level of the Green Garden.
Next to the summer snack bar, you will find the reconstruction rooms of the military hospital installed in the castle during the First World War. You can see all kinds of medical equipment of the time.
The Queen's Apothecary's is also located in the Gallery of Domes, not to be missed! This apothecary is the only one present in a castle of the Loire. Catherine de Medici always travelled with her doctors and perfumers. It is therefore not surprising that this apothecary is impressive. You will see measuring instruments as well as numerous earthenware containers that contained all kinds of substances.
It remains for you to go down in the cellar of the Domes, located at the back of the building where you will be able to see some vines. Do not hesitate to taste the wines of the domain and of Touraine!
The Farm of the XVIth and the Gallery of carriages
Walk back through the Russell Page Tribute Garden to see the 16th century farmhouse and carriage gallery. This gallery is located in the large stable of the farm. A set of noble and rural horse-drawn vehicles are exposed there. Used mainly in the 19th century, they come from France (Break, Tonneau) and England (Tilbury).
The 16th century farmhouse offers a bucolic setting with a pond in its center. In the middle of the farmhouse, which includes the former stables of Catherine de Medici, stands a small building. It houses the floral workshop of the domain. All year round, 2 florists work there to put the castle in bloom daily. The workshop is particularly busy at Christmas time, which requires 3 months of preparation.
The Potager des Fleurs and the Parc aux ânes
The 16th century farmhouse opens onto the flower garden. This is where the flowers that decorate the castle are grown, with more than a hundred varieties of cut flowers and 400 rose bushes. Organized in 12 squares delimited by apple trees and stem roses, the vegetable garden spreads over more than one hectare. Vegetables as well as amazing plants and flowers (tuberose, agapanthus...) are to be discovered. Bulbs are grown in 2 old greenhouses.
If you are a botanical enthusiast, we advise you to consult the agenda of the domain on the official website. For 30€, visits of the gardens are organized by the botanical director!
Located near the vegetable garden, you will find an educational beehive, which allows you to observe the bees in complete safety. Just before the picnic area and parking lots, you will probably come across some donkeys in a clearing called the "Donkey Park".
The labyrinth and the Caryatids
The labyrinth is located away from the other gardens. We advise you to go there before returning to the exit. From the Potager aux fleurs, cross the central alley. You will quickly find this Italian labyrinth. Desired by Catherine de Medici, it extends over more than one hectare in a clearing of the park. It is composed of 2,000 yew trees cut in a circular pattern and offering visitors five different entrances. Only two of them lead to the center, where there is a raised gazebo, allowing a view of the whole. This gazebo is topped by a statue of Venus.
To the east of the labyrinth, you will see monumental caryatids made by Jean Goujon, a 16th century French sculptor and architect. They represent gods of Greek mythology (Pallas, Cybele, Apollo) and the hero Hercules. These caryatids originally adorned the façade of the castle, before being grouped together at the back of this labyrinth.
Discover the castle on the river differently
Along the river
The castle of Chenonceau being built above the Cher river, discovering it by boat offers a superb perspective. You can pass under its arches! There are several options available to you.
If you want to cruise the river at your own pace, book a canoe or kayak. You will find several rental companies near the domain, such as:
- Kayak family (Chisseaux): a canoe rental with no time limit, for 15€ per adult and 10€ per child. Open only in season (May to September). Find out more on the official website.
- Canoe Company (Civray de Touraine): a Canadian canoe rental, priced at 12€ (trip to Chenonceaux) or 42€ (guided trip with breakfast) and only available in season. Find out more on the official website.
You can also rent an electric boat without a license (39€/1h) or take a guided cruise. If you come to Chenonceaux out of season, this is the best solution. However, reservations are required for cruises in March, April, October and until mid-November. To do so, please visit the official website of La Bélandre (Chisseaux). It costs 11,50€ per adult and 8€ for children from 4 to 12 years old (walking cruise) or 70€ (meal cruise).
From the air
Discovering Chenonceau from the air is a superb experience. You will have a unique view of the castle and you will be able to fully enjoy the geometrical design of the gardens. Again, there are several options available to you.
First of all, you can take a hot air balloon ride. Here are several flights near Chenonceaux:
- Hot air balloon flight over the castle of Chenonceau (Saint-Georges-sur-Cher): about 3h30, wine and cheese tasting at the landing. As a souvenir, a flight certificate will be issued to you. See prices, photos and availability.
- Hot air balloon flight over the Loire Valley, with a view of the castles of Chenonceau and Amboise (Francueil): about 1 hour, at sunrise or sunset (according to your preference), glass of champagne on landing. The transfer to and from the meeting point in Francueil is included. See prices, photos, and availability.
If the balloon flight does not suit you, you can opt for a microlight flight! Let yourself be guided by a professional pilot over the Loire Valley, Chenonceau, and the nearby castles (Loches, Amboise, Chaumont). Several routes are proposed, from 15min to 1h40, from Francueil. Don't wait any longer and book your experience!
Through readings and films
As we have seen, the domain of Chenonceau is splendid and very rich. It's no wonder that it attracts and inspires many artists! Let us also remember that some of its owners, such as Louise Dupin or Marguerite Pelouze, encouraged this artistic emulation by organizing salons at the château.
Thus, during the time of Marguerite Pelouze, Gustave Flaubert made three trips to Chenonceaux. He rubs shoulders with sculptors, painters, historians and musicians in the Academy of Arts and Letters created by the owner. His interest in Chenonceau had already manifested itself in the past, as can be seen in his travelogue "Par les champs et par les grèves" (1886), in which he describes the castle as "elegant" and "robust". Also in the 19th century, Honoré de Balzac chose the castle as the historical setting for his novel "Sur Catherine de Médicis" (1842).
Moreover, Marguerite Yourcenar mentions it in her correspondence to Hans Paeshke in 1961, and the novelist Bertrand Puard used it as the setting for volume 4 of the youth series "Les Effacés" (2012).
Besides literature, the castle of Chenonceau inspires the 7th art. Many film shoots have taken place on the estate in the past ("Les Trois Mousquetaires" by Henri Diamant-Berger, "Marie-Stuart Reine d'Ecosse" by Charles Jarrott, "Les Enfants" by Christian Vincent...). At present, the Loire Valley and more particularly Chenonceau, remain a privileged setting for film makers. We can mention "Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait encore au bon Dieu" by Philippe de Chauveron in 2019, as well as the TV movie "Diane de Poitiers" by Josée Dayan and the American series "The Serpent Queen" both released in 2022.
So if you too want to find inspiration at the castle, book your time to visit!
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Loire Valley
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