Chateau de Chenonceau

The wonderful Chateau de Chenonceau is the most visited historical monument in the whole of France, after the Palace of Versailles. A must-see during the tour of the Loire. Or simply, the ideal place to spend a day between history, nature and culture.

An absolutely magical place, which conquers at first sight. And it could not be otherwise. The splendid Renaissance Castle is mirrored, majestically, on the water. The white stone and the surrounding vegetation give it a truly fairy-like appearance.

And then, all to admire what was the home of Diana de Poitiers and the many noblewomen who succeeded over the years. And it is precisely on these female figures that the Castle has built its history and its beauty. Not surprisingly, Chateau de Chenonceau is also nicknamed the Castle of the Ladies. Women who, over the years, have embellished it, protected it all with their smartphone, or camera, ready to capture the best glimpse and the best light.

But Chateau de Chenonceau is also a place full of treasures. Great masterpieces of the European masters of painting from the 16th to the 18th century are kept here. And large furniture, rooms and living rooms that can make you understand the importance of the place.

PRACTICAL INFO

HOW TO GET

Tours is the ideal base for exploring this wonderful, fascinating Castle, just over 30 kilometers from the city.

Chenonceaux has an important railway station, located just 500 meters from the castle. Those who do not want to use their own car will have no difficulty reaching the Castle by public transport. Every day, SCNF guarantees connections from Tours to TER; the train takes about 29 minutes to connect, and the ticket costs €7.00 per person.

By car, from Paris, take the A10 following the signs for Amboise.

WHAT TO SEE

THE CASTLE

Great rooms, furniture, paintings, tapestries … Chateau de Chenonceau houses, inside it, many important works of art.

Rubens, Primatice, Tintoretto, Correggio, Van Loo, Murillo, Clouet, Sassoferrato, Andrea del Sarto, Ribalta, Nattier, Veronese, Poussin, Van Dyck, Bassano, Zurbaran… There are masterpieces painted by the greatest European masters of the centuries XVI, XVII and XVIII.
Among the most emblematic pieces of the castle you will be able to admire the guard room, the beautiful chapel, saved during the French revolution; and, again, the green toilet, the rooms of Diane de Poitiers and Caterina de ‘Medici, the Gallery, the lounges of François 1er and Louis XIV

In the splendid Galleria dei Medici, on the first floor of the Castle, you will find a new collection of paintings, tapestries, furniture and art objects.

THE GARDENS

The splendid Gardens represent one of the strengths of the visit to the Castle. Beautiful, cared for down to the smallest detail so as to make the surrounding landscape unique.

The majestic and evocative Diane de Poitiers Gardens are one of the jewels of Chateau de Chenonceau. Raised terraces, lawns, shrubs, roses…. a perfect and evocative combination.
The Gardens of Caterina de’ Medici, offer spectacular views of the west façade of the castle, in a harmony of colors and scents.

Do not miss the new walled garden inspired by the sketches of one of the greatest contemporary landscape painters: Russell Page.

CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS

The Castle is open every day of the year, including Sundays and holidays, with the following times:

• from November to April, from 09:30 to 16:30/17:30.
• May, June, September and October, from 09:00 to 18:30.
• July and August, from 09:00 to 19:00.

Entry is allowed within 30 minutes of closing.

The full fare ticket costs €15 (€19 with audio guide). Children from 7 to 18 years old, and students up to 27 years old (with a card certifying their status) pay the reduced rate of 12€. (15.50€ with audio guide) FREE for children under 7 years old.