Château de Chenonceau: Entry Ticket
Visit a scenic castle defined by the skills of a succession of women
- Chenonceau Castle: Entry Ticket
- Access to its gardens and galleries
- Downloadable app: 'Découvrir Chenonceau'
- Parking
- Audio guide if selected
Château de Chenonceau - Tickets and Visitor Information
What is Château de Chenonceau?
Château de Chenonceau is a Renaissance château in the Loire Valley of France, famous for its unusual position spanning the River Cher.
- The château was built and developed during the 16th century and is known as the "'Château des Dames" or "Ladies’ Castle", because it has a strong connection with several influential women who played important roles in its history, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici.
- Its best-known feature is the long gallery that crosses the River Cher.
- You can explore the château's historic rooms, chapel, kitchens and art collection.
- The estate also includes formal gardens, a maze, a flower and vegetable garden and other historic buildings.
- Chenonceau is one of the most visited châteaux in the Loire Valley.
Quick Information
- Address: Château de Chenonceau, 37150, Chenonceaux
- Opening Hours: Opening Times Vary According To Time of Year
- Recommended Visit Duration: 2-4 hours
- Château de Chenonceau Ticket Options
Is Château de Chenonceau Worth Visiting?
Yes, Château de Chenonceau is one of the highlights of the Loire Valley. It's a good choice you you like:
- Historic castles rich in French Renaissance history
- Elegant architecture and riverside scenery
- Cultural landmarks linked to French royalty
- Photography and scenic walks
- Its a popular day trip from Tours, Amboise and Paris.
What You Can See at Château de Chenonceau
A visit to Château de Chenonceau includes the château itself, its gardens and the surrounding estate, with highlights including:
- Royal apartments and historic reception rooms
- The famous gallery built across the River Cher
- The château chapel
- Renaissance kitchens located in the bridge foundations
- Formal gardens designed by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis
- Decorative arts collections including paintings, tapestries and antique furniture
- A hedge maze and landscaped grounds
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About Château de Chenonceau
Château de Chenonceau is one of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley. It was constructed between 1513 and 1517 on the site of the original and was built in a French Renaissance architectural style with a blend of Gothic and Italian Renaissance elements.
The château has an interesting past. It was built by Thomas Bohier and his wife, Catherine Briçonnet. Catherine had significant input during the castle's construction, so it has a lot of her influence in the design.
In 1547, King Henry II took ownership and he gave it to his favourite mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Diane added more features to the château, including the famous arched bridge that spans the River Cher.
After King Henry II’s death, his widow, Catherine de’ Medici took it back from Diane and used it herself. Catherine made further changes and additions, including adding the gallery on the bridge, which is referred to as the 'Gallery of the Ladies' and offers wonderful views of the river and is covered with beautiful stained glass windows and art.
The château was later abandoned for around 100 years until the late 1700s, when Louise Dupin took ownership. Louise was the wife of Claude Dupin, who was one of Louis XV's wealthy 'tax farmers'.
Chocolatier Henri Menier bought the château in 1913 and the family still owns the castle to this day.
The castle has been open to the public for over 100 years and you can enjoy its incredible collection of furniture, tapestries and paintings from some of the great European painters covering the 16th to 18th centuries.
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Château de Chenonceau FAQs
- Do you need to book tickets in advance to visit Château de Chenonceau?
- We always suggest booking tickets in advance if you know when you plan to visit, yes. It’s one of the most popular châteaux in the Loire Valley, so it does get busy.
- Is Château de Chenonceau wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, Château de Chenonceau is wheelchair accessible. They also offer wheelchairs for rent should they be required.
- Where is Château de Chenonceau?
- Château de Chenonceau is in the Loire Valley, near the town of Chenonceaux.
- Can you visit Château de Chenonceau from Paris?
- Yes, day trips are available from Paris.
- Which Loire Valley castle is best?
- This is personal choice but there are several popular options.
- What role did Catherine de' Medici play in the Château de Chenonceau history?
- After Henry II's death, Catherine claimed the château and took it back from Diane de Poitiers, the king’s mistress, and Catherine went on to expand it by adding the elegant gallery on the bridge.
- Does Château de Chenonceau have gardens?
- Yes, it has beautiful gardens, including Diane de Poitiers’ and Catherine de' Medici’s gardens.
- How long does it take to visit Château de Chenonceau?
- Allow around 2–4 hours for a visit. This gives you time to explore the château, gardens and other parts of the estate.
- Can you get to Château de Chenonceau by train?
- Yes. The Chenonceaux railway station is around 400 metres from the château's ticket office, making the château relatively easy to reach by train from Tours.
Château de Chenonceau Fun Facts
- The "Ladies' Castle": Château de Chenonceau is often called "The Ladies' Castle" because it was largely influenced and owned by powerful women, including Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de' Medici, and Louise Dupin.
- Built on a Bridge: The château was built on the Cher River and its gallery spans the river like a bridge. The design is what makes Chenonceau so famous and picturesque.
- Catherine de' Medici's Legacy: After King Henry II's death, his widow, Catherine de' Medici, took the château back from the King’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers. It was Catherine that expanded the gardens and added the grand gallery over the river.
- World War II Role: During World War II, the château's gallery served as a passage between Nazi-occupied France and the Free Zone, making it a critical escape route.
- Château Gardens: The château is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the Garden of Diane de Poitiers and the Garden of Catherine de' Medici. Each garden reflects the personality and tastes of its namesake.
- Art Collection: Château de Chenonceau houses an impressive collection of art, including works by famous artists like Rubens, Tintoretto, and Van Dyck.
- Royal Chapel: The château has a private chapel covered with beautiful stained glass windows. They were destroyed during World War II and later restored.
- Louise Dupin’s Enlightenment Salon: In the 18th century, Louise Dupin held a famous salon at Chenonceau, where intellectuals like Voltaire and Rousseau discussed ideas of the Enlightenment.
- Phantom of the Château: There is a legend that the ghost of Louise de Lorraine, the widow of King Henry III, haunts the château. After her husband’s assassination, she spent the rest of her life in mourning at Chenonceau.
- Medical Role in WWI: During World War I, the château was converted into a hospital by Gaston Menier, treating over 2,000 wounded soldiers.
- Menier Family: The Menier family, famous for their chocolate empire, purchased the château in 1913.
Useful information About Château de Chenonceau
Tips for Visiting Château de Chenonceau
- Book Tickets Online: Booking tickets online is an easy and convenient way to secure tickets and can save time.
- Combination Tickets: Consider a combination ticket that gives you access to more than one château in the Loire Valley.
- Best Time To Visit: It can be quieter at opening time.
- Opening Hours: Château de Chenonceau is open all year round, but the hours do change according to the season.
How to get there
- Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux, 37150, Chenonceaux
Opening Hours
- Opening Times Vary Depending on Time of Year.
