Chateau Chenonceau

In the beginning

The first part of the château was built in the 12th century; however, it does not have an elevated bridge over the Cher. The château is now owned by the Marques family. The château was rebuilt in the 15th century, this time on the banks of the Cher.

The new castle

At the end of the 10th century, the château was purchased by an aristocratic family from Tours, and more specifically by Thomas Bohier, a statesman with close ties to the monarchy. Thomas Bohier and his wife, Katherine Briconnet, embarked on a major projectstarting with the demolition of the former château, and building the château as it stands today.

After the death of Chenonceau’s owner, the château was handed over to the king. However, François ^I did not undertake any work at Chenonceau. It was during the reign of Henri II’s son that things changed, when he offered Chenonceau to his beloved Diane de Poitiers in 1547.

Le chateau des dames

Diane de Poitiers

In 1556, Diane de Poitiers decided to build a bridge to enable her to enjoy the gardens and forest on the other side of the Cher. Construction was completed in 1559. Château de Chenonceau Chenonceau was returned to the French crown following the intervention of Catherine de Médicis.

Catherine de Medici

A few years later, Catherine de Médicis took charge of the construction of the gardens and the château, and organized events at the château. Finally, she was responsible for the construction of the galleries in 1576, built atop the Pont de Diane, which give Chenonceau its unique appearance. Catherine de Médicis died in 1598, leaving behind a number of debts and much unfinished work.

Louise de Lorraine

Louise de Lorraine, widow of King Henri III of France, assassinated in 1598, became owner of the château and dressed it in black in response to her grief. This is why Louise de Lorraine is known as “the white lady of Chenonceau”. Following financial difficulties, the château became the property of César de Vendôme and Françoise de Lorraine after Louise de Lorraine’s death.

Marie de Luxembourg

After further formalities, the château was handed over to the Duchess of Mercoeur, Marie de Luxembourg, who began renovation work in 1603. The Duchess died in 1623. A succession of owners followed, before Louis-Henri de Bourbon Conde sold the estate to farmer-general Claude Dupin in 1733.

Claude Dupin married Louise de Fontaine, who ran a literary salon at the Château de Chenonceau, where she met personalities from the Age of Enlightenment, including Rousseau, Montesquieu and Voltaire. The Dupins also carried out extensive restoration work, giving Chenonceau its former prestige.

The 19th century

Chateau Chenonceau underwent major transformations in the 19th century under the direction of architect Félix Roguet, at the request of new owner Marguerite Wilson, wife of Pelouze. She also installed the Académie des Arts et des Lettres there. After many years of work and debts, the château became the property of Crédit Financier. It was then sold to the Terry family, then auctioned in 1913, before being sold to the Menier family. During the First World War, the estate was used as a hospital for soldiers, and was damaged during the Second World War.

The 20th century

The château is currently under the control of the Menier family. Major restoration work was carried out in 2009.

Here are some frequently asked questions

FAQs about the Chenonceau Castle

Where is the Château de Chenonceau located?

The Château de Chenonceau is situated in the village of Chenonceaux, in the Indre-et-Loire department of the Centre-Val de Loire region in France. It’s approximately 214 km (133 miles) from Paris and 34 km (21 miles) from Tours.

What are the opening hours of the Château?

The Château de Chenonceau welcomes visitors every day of the year. Opening hours vary by season, with extended hours during the summer months. For the most up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the official website.

How much does it cost to visit the Château?

As of 2025, individual ticket prices are:

• Adults: €18
• Seniors (over 60 years old): €16
• Audio guideAdditional €4

Children under seven can enter for free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.

What is the best way to get to the Château de Chenonceau?

• By TrainFrom Paris, take a train from Gare Montparnasse to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours), then transfer to a regional train (TER) to Chenonceaux. The Château is a short walk (approximately 400 meters) from the station.
• By CarApproximately a 2.5-hour drive from Paris via the A10 motorway, exiting at Blois or Amboise.
• By BikeThe Loire Valley boasts extensive bike routes, making it feasible to cycle to the Château from nearby towns.
   

Are there dining options available on-site?

Yes, the Château offers several dining options:

• Le SnackServes hot and cold dishes daily from 9:30 to 18:30.
• Picnic AreasDesignated spots with tables are available for visitors who prefer to bring their own meals.
   

How much time should I allocate for a visit?

A minimum of two hours is recommended to fully appreciate the Château’s interiors, the spanning arches over the River Cher, the gardens, and the maze. However, many visitors choose to spend more time to thoroughly explore the estate.

Is the Château accessible to individuals with reduced mobility?

The Château de Chenonceau has made efforts to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility. While the grounds and certain areas are accessible, some parts of the historic building may present challenges. It’s advisable to contact the Château directly for detailed information.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, visitors can enhance their experience with audio guides available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian, for an additional fee. These provide in-depth information about the Château’s history and architecture.

Can I take photographs inside the Château?

Photography without flash is generally permitted inside the Château. However, the use of tripods, selfie sticks, or any professional equipment may be restricted. It’s recommended to check the specific photography guidelines upon arrival.

 Is there a gift shop on the premises?

Yes, there is a gift shop located at the entrance of the estate, offering a wide range of products, including books, jewelry, and exclusive items related to the Château. Entrance to the shop is free, and an online store is also available.

For more detailed information and to plan your visit, please refer to the official Château de Chenonceau website.