Château de Chenonceau

Castle in Tours

The Château de Chenonceau is one of the most enchanting and elegant castles in France, famed for its graceful arches stretching across the River Cher. Often referred to as the “Château des Dames,” it owes much of its design and legacy to the influential women who shaped its history, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici. Built in the early 16th century, the château blends late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, with finely carved façades, exquisite interiors, and a tranquil riverside setting that enhances its dreamlike beauty.

Inside, the château offers a series of richly decorated rooms that retain the warmth of a lived-in palace. Visitors walk through grand salons, bedrooms with period tapestries, and a long gallery that spans the river like a bridge, lined with black-and-white tiles and tall windows. Catherine de’ Medici’s study and Diane de Poitiers’ bedroom are among the highlights, each filled with personal touches and artworks that reflect their powerful roles in French court life. The interiors manage to feel both stately and intimate, preserving the character of the women who once lived there.

The grounds of Chenonceau are equally compelling, featuring formal gardens designed by both Diane and Catherine, a small 16th-century farm, a medicinal herb garden, and wooded walking paths. The flower workshop on-site still arranges fresh bouquets daily for the rooms, adding to the château’s refined atmosphere. With its deep connection to feminine influence, art, and landscape design, Chenonceau is not just a historic site—it’s a harmonious blend of architecture, nature, and personal legacy that sets it apart in the Loire Valley.

The Château de Chenonceau appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Tours!

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Visiting Château de Chenonceau

Hours:

From January to early April: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

April to early November: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM or later depending on the season

November to December: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Last entry is generally 30 minutes before closing. Times vary slightly by month, so it’s best to check closer to your visit.

Price:

Full entry (château + gardens): €17.50

Address: Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux, France

Official Website