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Bucket list experience:

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

Expect the unexpected: Chaumont’s adventurous garden festival is a must whether you’re a plant lover or interested in horticultural design. Far from the conventional vision of sedate floral displays, here artists, designers and architects as well as landscape gardeners create gardens that range from the ingenious to the crazy.

Held in the grounds of a stunning chateau overlooking the Loire, there’s always plenty to inspire. Yearly themes have ranged from weeds and colour to eroticism.

While you’re there 

Make time to visit the grand staterooms and private apartments of the picturesque turreted chateau overlooking the Loire.

Price from: £15
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: annually
When: mid-May - October
Duration: 5 months

Getting there & doing it

The Chaumont-sur-Loire Chateau sits between the towns of Blois and Amboise. It’s most easily reached by car (with plenty of parking space), but can also be reached by local train to Onzain on the other side of the river.

This is a non-bookable event. Tickets are sold at the entrance.

When to do it

The exact dates vary, but the event is held from mid-May to the end of October.

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

Les Hauts de Loire

Veuzain-sur-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France[4.7 miles]

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

Official star rating:

Le Clos d’Amboise

Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France[16.6 miles]

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

Official star rating:

Domaine de la Tortiniere

Veigne, Centre-Val de Loire, France[40.2 miles]

Relaxed, stylish family-run chateau hotel, well located in the heart of the Loire Valley.

Official star rating:

Chateau de Beauvois

Saint-Etienne-de-Chigny, Centre-Val de Loire, France[50.4 miles]

Stately chateau hotel in a magical woodland setting where Louis XIII once came hunting.

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[17.2 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

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Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

A view of Chateau Chenoncea from the river where a girl is kayaking
Experience

Kayaking on the Loire River

Vineuil, Centre-Val de Loire, France[20.3 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

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Overview >