If you plan to awaken the history buff inside, why not make your way to one of the most fascinating mixes of Renaissance and Gothic architecture in the form of a chateau?
The Château de Chenonceau is one of the most celebrated chateaux in the Loire Valley, France.
Created in the early 1500s by Thomas Bohier, the chateau is now a historical site. It greets its visitors every day with floral arrangements from the castle’s on-site floral workshop.
As it spans the Cher River, the Château de Chenonceau sits atop one of the most beautifully constructed arched bridges of French Renaissance ingenuity.
It is also home to some of the best embroidered and intricate 16th-century tapestries; this chateau is truly a place of overwhelming French Renaissance heritage.
Chenonceau History
Initially a fortress by the Cher River, it was acquired by Thomas Bohier in 1512, who replaced it with a ‘Renaissance’ style chateau, leaving only the keep from the original building.
Under the tutelage of his wife, Katherine Briconne, the chateau was built but later handed over to the monarch to pay off debts and stage hunts and festivals.
Henri II then gave it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, who added the bridge over the Cher and the Chenonceau gardens.
When Henri died, his Queen, Catherine de Medici, forced Diane out of Chenonceau, even though she was its legitimate owner by then.
Catherine built the gallery and grand ballroom on Diane’s bridge, giving the chateau its iconoclast feature.
Nowadays, the castle is one of the most prominent landmarks in France that tourists can visit.
Watch our Video of Chateau Chenonceau
Here is a video to show you how stunning this castle really is. Keep watching to see footage of our other two favorite castles as well: Chaumont & Chambord.
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Top Things to do at Château de Chenonceau
Find below a list of the top things to do at Chateau de Chenonceau.
1. Hire the Audio-Visual Guide
The 45-minute audiovisual guide provides a great deal of historical and cultural facts to help enlighten your visit and make it a more educational experience.
The guide told me to look down to see the beautiful original tiles used in the entrance area (see photo above).
There is also a version available, especially for kids as well.
2. Visit the Grand Gallery over the Cher
There, you will find a scene of many elegant parties hosted by Catherine de Medici. Interestingly, this gallery later served as a military hospital and an escape route for résistants, Jews, and other refugees fleeing from the German-occupied zone during the World Wars.
3. Visit all the Beautifully Maintained Bedrooms
There are so many beautiful bedrooms to visit in this castle!
One of the most interesting ones might be Louise of Lorraine’s black-walled mourning room on the top floor, to which she retreated when her husband, Henri III, was assassinated in 1589. It is beautifully maintained and is a sight to behold.
4. Visit the Shop
If you love collecting themed mementos from your travels, you will enjoy the little shop located at the entrance to the estate.
They sell unique products such as books, jewelry and gifts that have been exclusively made for the château.
5. Stroll Around the Spectacular Gardens
You can get some glorious views over the castle of Chenonceau from all different angles.
If you are lucky, you might even be able to snap a photo of the castle and its reflection in the river.
6. Have a Picnic
Bring a picnic blanket and basket. There is a covered picnic area by the Green Car Park and an open picnic area by the castle entrance.
7. Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Castle
Take your visit to the next level by seeing the castle from up above. Hot Air Balloon rides are very popular and can be really romantic as well.
>>> Click here to grab more info about the hot air balloon rides.
8. Enjoy a Fancy Meal and Some Wine Tasting
Want to make your visit into a day-long affair? Why not treat yourself to fine dining at The Orangerie restaurant and enjoy some delightful wine-tasting at the château’s historic wine cellar?
Both of these are open every day from mid-March to mid-November.
How to Get to Castle Chenonceau
Via Car
Chenonceau from Paris: Getting to Château de Chenonceau on the Cher River is most accessible by car. It is a scenic route from Paris, only around 200 kilometers away.
Book a Chenonceau Tour
The Loire Valley Castles Tour from Paris with Chambord, Chenonceau, and Wine tastings is one of the most recommended tours ((with over 810 positive reviews) that you can take up if you wish to have a more informed expedition of the Loire Valley.
Guests traveling between November 1 and March 31 will also receive a complimentary traditional lunch and drink.
It is a full-day tour and lasts for a whopping 12 hours and 30 minutes.
>>> Click here to see pricing and more info on this tour.
Chambord Price of Entry & Opening Hours
The château is open all year long, except for 1st January and 25th December.
Opening hours:
- From January 1 to February 3: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
- From February 4 to March 31: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
- From April 1 to May 28: 9 am to 7 pm
- From May 29 to June 30: 9 am to 7.30 pm
- From July 1 to August 31: 9 am to 8.00 pm
- From September 1 to September 30: 9 am to 7.30 pm
- From October 1 to November 1: 9 am to 6.30 pm
- From November 6 to November 12: 9 am to 6.00 pm
- From November 12 to December 31: 9.30 am to 5 pm
Cost Of Entry:
Castle with brochure rate
- Adults: 14 euros
- Children: 11 euros
- Students: 11 euros
Castle with an audio-visual guide tour
- Adults: 18 euros
- Children: 14.50 euros
- Students: 14.50 euros
Chenonceau is one of our top favorite castles in France. It blew us away, and I’m sure you will be equally impressed by its splendor. Enjoy your visit to this gorgeous castle!
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