Château de Beauregard, Blois

Castle in Blois

Château de Beauregard
Château de Beauregard

Château de Beauregard is one of the best places to visit in Cellettes for travellers intrigued by Renaissance art, noble history, and elegant garden design. Tucked away between Blois and Cheverny, this refined estate offers a quieter, more intimate château experience while still boasting one of the Loire Valley's most extraordinary interiors. Its harmonious architecture and famously rich portrait gallery make it a standout among the region's many noble residences.

Surrounded by a peaceful park and a series of themed garden rooms, the château is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Cellettes, particularly for visitors seeking cultural depth without the crowds of larger Loire châteaux. Beauregard's blend of artistic heritage and natural beauty creates an atmosphere that feels both grand and welcoming.

History and Significance of Château de Beauregard

Constructed in the late 15th century, Château de Beauregard gained prominence in 1545 when Jean du Thier, Secretary of State to Henri II, purchased the estate. Du Thier transformed the property with Renaissance flourishes, commissioning Italian-style fireplaces, frescoes, and a gallery that spoke to the artistic tastes of the French court.

Its most celebrated addition came under Paul Ardier, who acquired the château in 1617. Ardier commissioned the Galerie des Illustres - a monumental portrait gallery that remains Beauregard’s greatest treasure. Stretching 26 meters, the gallery contains 327 portraits of influential figures spanning more than three centuries, drawing from royal courts, diplomatic circles, and military ranks across 26 nations. The Delftware tile floor, made up of 5,500 hand-painted pieces, and the lapis lazuli ceiling give the room a richness that rivals Europe’s grandest great halls.

Through wars, revolutions, and centuries of change, the estate has remained a guardian of French artistic heritage, earning its place as one of the Loire Valley’s most culturally significant châteaux.

Things to See and Do in Château de Beauregard

A visit to Beauregard begins with the Galerie des Illustres - not only the château’s centrepiece but one of the Loire Valley’s most memorable interiors. Guests can spend considerable time exploring the portraits, which collectively tell a sweeping story of European politics, identity, and power from the 14th to the 17th centuries.

Beyond the gallery, the château’s Renaissance fireplaces, restored frescoes, and period furnishings create an intimate atmosphere. Interpretation panels provide helpful context about the families who shaped Beauregard over the centuries.

Outside, the park and gardens invite slow, reflective wandering. The twelve themed garden rooms each offer a distinct aesthetic, from sculpted hedges to contemplative spaces framed by flowers, water features, and geometric designs. The wider English-style parkland is perfect for a gentle stroll among mature trees and peaceful pathways.

How to Get There

Château de Beauregard is located in Cellettes, just south of Blois, and is accessible by car from the D956 or via local bus routes from Blois. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. The nearest train station is Blois-Chambord, with onward connections by taxi or bus to Cellettes. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Practical Tips on Visiting Château de Beauregard

  • Best time to visit Château de Beauregard: Spring and early autumn for blooming gardens and pleasant walking weather.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Prices vary for the château, gallery, and gardens.
  • Opening hours: Open seasonally; check the official schedule before visiting.
  • Official website: chateau-de-beauregard.com
  • How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours for château and gardens.
  • Accessibility: Some sections have stairs or uneven surfaces; garden paths are mostly accessible.
  • Facilities: Small shop, restrooms, and garden seating areas.
  • Photography tip: Capture the perspective of the Galerie des Illustres from its far end to show the full suite of portraits.
  • Guided-tours: Available at select times or by reservation.
  • Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants in Cellettes and nearby Blois.

Where to Stay close to Château de Beauregard

Staying near Cellettes offers a peaceful base for exploring the Loire Valley. For charming accommodation close to the château, consider Logis Côté Loire, set along the river in historic Blois. Visitors who prefer a countryside retreat may enjoy Les Sources de Cheverny, offering spa facilities and woodland tranquillity. For classic comfort in Blois, Hôtel Anne de Bretagne is a reliable and centrally located option.

Is Château de Beauregard Worth Visiting?

Yes. Château de Beauregard is an exceptional stop for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and garden admirers. Its extraordinary portrait gallery, intimate château atmosphere, and beautiful grounds make it a compelling complement to the grander Loire Valley estates.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.1 (1,654)

Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley is an elegant, still-occupied 16th-century chateau set within extensive gardens and grounds; visitors enter through a walled area with the ticket office and gift shop, pass through gardens and a long walk to the château itself, and can explore a small public section of rooms including the notable Galerie des Portraits supplemented by multilingual QR-code commentary (though some portrait explanations and parts of the site are French-only); the estate features a colourful but sometimes overgrown Jardin des Portraits and wooded walks with historical panels, offers occasional guided-tours and hires out the old porter's lodge, and visitors should note limited onsite dining and basic restroom facilities and that access can be challenging for mobility scooters.

HL
2 years ago
"The castle itself is fascinating. Especially the Galerie des Portraits. The castle provides a good variety of languages in its explanation of eachroom. I only wish that it can do the same for the historical explanation of each portrait. Right now there it is only available in French. And as a tourist, it would be nice if the included tour is available in English as well. The by-color setting co ected with the historical meaning of the Jardin des Portraits is also inspiring. I really like the idea. But I came on 13th May, the flowers were not blooming much. For those who want to see a more colorful garden, you may need to come at another time. Also beware that there is no restaurant around the castle. If you are not driving there yourself, prepare some food in advance. I was the only one going to this castle from the shuttle bus that day. This castle definitely deserves more recognition...."
Catherine Shawarby
2 years ago
"In two minds about this place. Firstly don’t follow google maps it takes you to the closed Orangerie! We wondered if we had made a mistake when wefound only one other car in the car park. The entrance is very neglected as if you are entering someone’s garden. This neglected theme continues throughout the site. The Jardin de pientures is colourful but overgrow The walk through the woods with the history of the royals was very interesting, although the first part was only in French the remainder were in three languages. The chateau area open to the public is small but interesting. QR codes give you commentary in your chosen language. The ‘cafe’ attendant could not sp an French just poor English but got very confused with our order for cafe au lait, we got espresso with creamer!..."
Andrew Turner
a year ago
"It's quite a long walk from entry to the Chateau, and I noticed a lot of people struggling with motorbility scooters. On arrival at the Chateau I wasready for a drink but even though it was quite busy the cafe was closed until next year. The 2 girls who I think were guides were very polite and spoke perfect English. On entering the main Chateau o was left to walk around on my own but did meet up with a group of about 20 people who were getting a guided tour. I was very surprised that only 4 rooms were open to the public from such a huge Chateau. As I left another group of about 20 people arrived and I couldn't help thinking that the toilets 1 for men and 1 for women were inadequate and this was backed up by seeing a French tourist having a pee against a hedge.... It's a very nice Chateau with large grounds...."

FAQs for Visiting Château de Beauregard

Much of it is original, with portraits collected and curated by Paul Ardier in the 17th century.
Depending on the season, separate garden tickets may be available.
Yes, especially the gardens, which offer plenty of outdoor space.
Yes, the 5,500 tiles are original 17th-century Delftware.
Photography is usually permitted without flash; check on arrival.

Nearby Attractions to Château de Beauregard

The Château de Beauregard appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Blois!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Summer: 10.00 AM – 6:30PM

Winter: 10.30 AM – 5:00PM

Price:

Adult: €14

Address: Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley, Chemin de la Fontaine, Cellettes, France
Blois: 7 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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