The Château de Chenonceau is divided into three distinct parts - the two storey building built, the gallery on the bridge across the river, and the remnant of The Tour des Marques. Wander around twenty well restored rooms and feel captivated looking at their rare tapestries, antique furniture and paintings. Some of the rooms you would like to visit include The rooms of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, The François 1er and Louis XIV salons, The Green Cabinet, The Gallery and The Chapel.
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The rooms of the Chenonceau Castle have several masterpiece paintings by European masters of the 16th to 18th centuries and will give you a glimpse of the history of the castle. Some of the paintings which you will find here include Tintoretto, Andrea del Sarto, Van Dyck, Ribalta, and others. You will also be delighted to find paintings by the 15th century Florentine sculptor Mino da Fiesole.
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The La Galerie Médicis or the Medicare Gallery of the castle is situated at the first stage of the building. This is the place where you will be able to find a collection of indie paintings, objects of art, tapestries and mobilizers. Feel awe-struck as you look at the Haute Epoque two-piece sideboard, the mobilised origin of the Château de Chenonceau, Tapisserie de Neuilly from 1883, "Venus of the Medici" and more.
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The Garden of Diane de Poitiers is overlooked by the Chancery and has two perpendicular and two diagonal paths forming eight large triangles of lawn with santolina shrubs. The original fountain from the time of Diane de Poitiers still exists in the centre. There are raised terraces created to protect the garden from river spate. Ornamental basins punctuate the place and offer views of flower beds, and the terrace walls will mesmerise you with its climbing iceberg roses.
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The Garden of Catherine de Medici's design is based on five panels of lawn that has been grouped around a circular basin with globes of boxwood all over. If you stroll towards the east, you will reach a walkway overlooking the moat. You will feel tentalised with the smell of rose and lavender coming from the low rounded cordons bushes.
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The Green Garden is an ensemble of centuries-old trees such as Spanish fir, Douglas firs, Atlas cedars, and more. If you view from the Orangerie, you will find the Green Garden revealing the profile of the château.
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The Maze Garden is a little building covered by living wicker, and is crowned with a statue de Vénus, a nymph carrying a child Bacchus, that stands atop a cedar trunk. Surrounding this are ivy and boxwood vases in a bower. Go to the rear of the maze to find an ensemble of Pallas and Cybele, Caryatids, and others.
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If you are visiting around Christmas, between 6th December to 6th January, you will find the entire chateau decorated with stunning flower arrangements, making the beautiful chateau even more stunning.
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Feel enchanted looking at a collection of 400 roses, varieties of flowers like tuberoses and agapanthus, and several vegetables and plants in the flower garden. Take a look at the two old greenhouses which have a myriad of flowers such as tulip bulbs, hyacinth, etc.
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The Château de Chenonceau and its garden is open every day, all year round but have different opening and closing times.
Opening Time: Varies between 9:00 - 9:30 am
Closing Time: Varies between 4:30 - 7:00 pm
Holiday Weekends: Easter (April 16 to 18), Ascension (from May 26-27-28-29) & Pentecost (June 4-5-6): 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Address: Château de Chenonceau; 37150 CHENONCEAUX
Location: Castle Chenonceau is located in Touraine on the river Cher and is at a distance of 214 km from Paris and 34 km from Tours.
Reach the place:
By Car: Take a car from Paris and reach the castle in two hours travelling via the autoroute A10 “Aquitaine” (Blois or Amboise exits)
By Train: Travel by T.G.V. Paris-Montparnasse /https://www. Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours) or T.G.V. Paris-Aéroport Roissy-CDG / Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours) to reach the SNCF station in an hour. Travel by TER Tours-Chenonceaux and reach the SNCF station in 25 minutes. Walk for 400 m to reach the Chateau’s ticket office.
Parking:
Shop: Purchase books, jewellery, gifts and unique products from the shop located near the entrance of the gate.
Picnic Area: Use the covered picnic area near Green Car Park or the open picnic area by the entrance to the châtea.
Disability Access:
Animals Access:
Is Chenonceau worth visiting?
Yes, the Château de Chenonceau is definitely worth a visit. The enchanting chateau which has been built directly over the River Cher will give you an insight into over 500 years old French history. The chateau will also attract you with its charming surrounding French countryside and beautiful gardens. You will also feel captivated looking at the stunning architecture of the castle which is transitional between Gothic and Renaissance.
What is the best time to visit Chateau de Chenonceau?
The best months to visit Château de Chenonceau are between May to October. During these months, the weather is comfortable for exploring the chateau and its gardens. Visit early in the morning near its opening time to be able to explore the Chenonceau Castle leisurely without too much crowd.
Where is the Chenonceau castle located?
The address of Château de Chenonceau is 37150 CHENONCEAUX. It is located at Touraine on the right bank of river Cher in its valley. It is at a distance of 34 km from Tours and 214 km from Paris.
How many rooms are available for tourists in the Château de Chenonceau?
You will be able to explore around twenty rooms of the Chateau de Chenonceau while visiting the place. Some of the rooms which you will be able to take a look at include The rooms of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, The François 1er and Louis XIV salons, The Green Cabinet, The guard room, The Gallery and The Chapel. All the rooms are well preserved and have rich antique furniture, paintings and rare tapestries.
Why is Chenonceau Castle famous?
The enchanting Chenonceau Castle is famous for this spell-binding architecture which is transitional between Gothic and Renaissance. It has an isolated tower flanking a drawbridge on the river Cher. The architectural magnificence has been restored in the 19th century and attracts visitors to take a look at their Son et lumière (French: “sound and light”) displays, using the historical soundtrack, and varicoloured lights.
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