Trip Planner:
Europe
/
France
/
Centre-Val de Loire
/
Indre-et-Loire
/
Chenonceaux
/
Chateau de Chenonceau
Protected and loved by prominent women in Renaissance history, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médici, Chateau de Chenonceau, is the second most visited château in France, other than the Royal Palace of Versailles. French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme designed the castle and built it on the site of an old mill on the River Cher in the 11th century. The château later saw renovations during the 16th century due to its destruction in the 15th century.
All of its gardens and grounds are open for you to explore, including the castle's architectural mixture of late Gothic and early Renaissance. Old masters’ paintings, as well as an extremely rare selection of Flanders Tapestries from the 16th century, comprise the art collection. Visit Catherine de Médicis’ bedroom to view the recently restored Corrège’s painting on wood, "L’Education de l’Amour." Put Chateau de Chenonceau at the forefront of your travel plans using our Chenonceaux online trip itinerary builder.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Tours to Chateau de Chenonceau
Chateau de Chenonceau reviews
-
A splendid Castle with a strong history a Caterina de Medici, King Francois I and his lover Diane de Poiter lived here. Kept in good conditions, with a very nice park.
A splendid Castle with a strong history a Caterina de Medici, King Francois I and his lover Diane de Poiter lived here. Kept in good conditions, with a very nice park. more »
-
Visiting in May rather than peak season meant it was very comfortable. The chateau is beautiful as are the gardens. For us, the kitchens were a highlight of our visit. There is a gallery of...
Visiting in May rather than peak season meant it was very comfortable. The chateau is beautiful as are the gardens. For us, the kitchens were a highlight of our visit. There is a gallery of... more »
-
Lots and lots of photo moments! Really amazing place to see. Bring comfortable shoes and plan on making a day trip. Food and Wine tasting too! Awesome to see and understand how things were done back then.
-
I suggest visiting the castle from outside by renting a kayak from providers nearby the river. Looking the castle from that point of view is very interesting. If you don't want to enter the castle, paying the ticket, it is possible to have a nice view from the opposite side of the river by a 500 meters walk in the woods.
Plan your trip to Chenonceaux
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Chenonceaux
Side trips from Chenonceaux
Featured attractions
Trips in Chateau de Chenonceau by other users
25 days in France, Spain & Portugal
BY A USER FROM THE NETHERLANDS
Tours
Saint-Andre-De-Cubzac
Hendaye
24 days in France, United Kingdom & Italy
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Glasgow
Edinburgh
London
24 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Edinburgh
London
Paris
15 days in France
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Paris
Versailles
Tours
13 days in France
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Paris
Versailles
Tours
16 days in France & Northwest Italy
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Paris
Versailles
Tours