no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

Chenonceau is widely known as the ‘ladies’ chateau’, owing to the succession of extraordinary women integral to its history.

Built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, it was given by Henri II to his mistress, the legendary beauty Diane de Poitiers, before his widow Catherine de Médicis grabbed it back after his death.

It was then inherited by Louise de Lorraine, wife of Henry III, the third son of Catherine of Medicis. After Henry III’s assassination, a traumatised Louise de Lorraine turned to prayer, becoming known as ‘the white lady of Chenonceau’. Last, but not least, it was saved during the French Revolution by then-owner Madame Dupin, who managed to reason with the mob.

The Loire’s most visited chateau can feel overrun, yet remains magical for the sheer ingenuity of its spanning the River Cher, for its fine late Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and for outstanding collections of furniture and art.

Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest station is Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, which is 400m from the ticket office. There is plentiful parking if you are driving.

Guided tours are available in 18 languages, including English. No booking is required. The chateau has a restaurant, a crêperie and tearoom onsite for refreshments.

When to do it

The chateau is open all year round, seven days a week.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Loire Valley Christmas Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Amboise or Tours

Loire Valley Christmas Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Amboise or Tours

Tours

Jump into the heart of French history by visiting the 2 most prestigious châteaux of the Loire Valley during the greet the warm ambiance of ...

€154 | Rating 5 / 5 [35 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

Tours

Jump into the heart of French history by visiting the 2 most prestigious châteaux of the Loire Valley. Feel the intimacy of a lesser known p...

€184 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [131 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise

Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise

Tours

Enjoy a small group 9-hour tour in the Loire Valley. Your professional tour guide will show you the two most famous chateaux of the region, ...

€195 | Rating 4.55 / 5 [49 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Day tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Amboise, Da Vinci Clos Lucé & Caves Ambacia

Day tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Amboise, Da Vinci Clos Lucé & Caves Ambacia

Tours

Enjoy a small group day tour in the heart of the Royal Valley: tour three of the major chateaux of the region and taste some of the excellen...

€215 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [13 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Le Clos d’Amboise

Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France[11.6 miles]

An attractive family-friendly hotel, with great staff and a perfect small-town location for exploring the Loire.

Official star rating:

Les Hauts de Loire

Veuzain-sur-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France[21.3 miles]

Uber-romantic hotel in a former hunting lodge, with a spa, outdoor pool & Michelin-starred restaurant.

Official star rating:

Les Hautes Roches

Rochecorbon, Centre-Val de Loire, France[24.2 miles]

A cosy hotel just outside of Tours, with luxurious ‘troglodyte’ rooms carved into the neighbouring cliff.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hot-air balloon flights over the Loire Valley

Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France[9.5 miles]

Hot air balloon flights offer a serene, crowd-free way to appreciate the Loire’s spectacular landscapes and chateaux, as you drift silently above treetops and turrets.

Best for ages: 6+ | £180 | 3 hours

Website >
Overview >