Bucket list experience:
Built in 1624-30, this chateau is still lived in by descendants of the original owners and builders, the Hurault family. Unlike the Renaissance style of many Loire chateaux, here you are firmly in the comforts of Louis XIII classicism, amid lavish panelling and fine tapestries.
The chateau is regarded as being one of the most richly decorated and furnished; the interiors have remained largely untouched, with an impressive assortment of furniture, tapestries, weapons and other artefacts that reveal six centuries of family history.
The chateau still maintains a kennel of more than 100 hounds, in keeping with a strong hunting tradition. You can visit them all day, but the main spectacle is feeding time at 5pm, or 3pm in winter months.
Pair a visit here with some excellent wine tasting at the Maison des Vins near the entrance. Visit in spring to see a rainbow of over 250,000 tulips. Seven gardeners work all year round on this natural display.
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Destination Guide >The nearest train station is Blois, about 1 hour 40 minutes from Paris. There is free on-site parking if you’re driving. Unfortunately, guided tours are only available for groups of 20 or more.
There are guided tours of the grounds on electric cars and boats. Café de l’Orangerie is a nice on-site café with outdoor seating, selling snacks and home-made ice cream.
The chateau is open all year round, seven days a week. Feeding of the hunting hounds is daily at 3pm or 5pm. The tulip display appears in late March and April.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Tours
€215 | Rating 4.59 / 5 [27 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Veuzain-sur-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France[23.7 miles]
Uber-romantic hotel in a former hunting lodge, with a spa, outdoor pool & Michelin-starred restaurant.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Loire Valley, France
Extraordinary historic chateaux, authentic village life, and superb wine blend in this beautiful UNESCO-listed valley.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Loire Valley, France[13.8 miles]
An 900km waymarked cycle route through the Loire’s beautiful countryside, stopping off at fantastical chateaux, vineyards, and picturesque villages.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1 day-2 weeks
Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France[20.8 miles]
Weird and wonderful experimental garden festival where conceptual gardens touch urbanism and ecology.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15 | 5 months
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Vineuil, Centre-Val de Loire, France[13.4 miles]
Paddling along the Loire is a dreamy was to see its waterfront chateaux, plus the region’s rich flora and fauna. Loire Kayak offer trips ranging from 1 hour to up to 8 days (with camping).
Best for ages: 10+ | £14 | 1 hour - 8 days
