Chenonceau & Chaumont sur Loire Castles

Chenonceau Castle

Visit Château Chenonceau, an elegant white castle built on the piers of an old mill in the famous Loire Valley region. Chenonceau is a stunning representation of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture, featuring a long gallery bridge that spans over the Cher river.

Also known as the “Ladies’ Château” because of the notorious women who built, decorated, restored and maintained it throughout the centuries, Chenonceau boasts a fascinating royal history that dates back to the 13th century. Feel like true royalty as you stroll through the castles’ rooms, which are lavishly decorated with exquisite tapestries, paintings, and furniture. Round off your visit with a walk through the extensive royal gardens alongside the Cher river, featuring a maze, a 16th-century farm, a carriage gallery, and a vegetable and flower garden.

Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

The château in Chaumont-sur-Loire has lived a colorful history. It was burned to the ground by King Louis XI in the 15th century and changed hands from Catherine de Medici to Diane de Poitiers in the 16th century. Unusually for a French castle, the castle managed to escape significant damage during the revolution. Still, it is a place full of surprises, being both a historical monument and an art and nature center.

Both the château in Chaumont-sur-Loire and the International Garden Festival make up the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. During your visit, you will get to admire the beautifully furnished rooms, the grand spiral staircase, and several works of art on display. The most impressive feature of the chateau, though, is the stunning view over the Loire from the terraces. Another highlight is the stables. Prince Amédée de Broglie is credited for upgrading it with running water and electric lamps at a time when even the grandest chateau had none.

In March 2022, there is an opening of a new space in the château: the 3rd floor of the east wing will host the artist Davide Qualoya for a digital exhibition. There is also the International Garden Festival that takes place every year. It brings together garden designers from all over the world to use their imagination to create a garden based on the annual theme. The theme for the 31st International Garden Festival is "Ideal Garden," and it will take place from April 21 to November 6, 2022. Landscapers of this edition will work on a garden that is beautiful, organic, restorative, comforting, innovative, and economical. Needless to say, the designers of the 30 gardens are going to surprise and amaze you with their inventiveness!