{"id":15297,"date":"2022-11-11T21:15:15","date_gmt":"2022-11-11T20:15:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cparici.com\/?p=15297"},"modified":"2026-04-05T11:28:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T09:28:25","slug":"chenonceau","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cparici.com\/en\/chenonceau\/","title":{"rendered":"chateau chenonceau - practical information"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"chenonceau\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Chateau Chenonceau<\/span><\/h1>

Chateau Chenonceau \u2013 discover the famous chateau des dames at Chenonceaux in the Loire valley<\/span><\/span><\/h2>

Chateau Chenonceau<\/strong> is the expression used on the Internet to search for the eponymous Loire chateau in Chenonceaux.<\/span><\/p>

The Chateau de Chenonceau<\/strong> is located in the commune of Chenonceaux in the Indre-et-Loire region of France. The ch\u00e2teau has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. <\/span><\/p>

It\u2019s nicknamed \u201cthe ladies\u2019 castle\u201d<\/strong> because of the many female characters who played a key role in the castle\u2019s construction and renown. <\/span><\/p>

Chenonceau has belonged to the Menier family since 1913.<\/span><\/p>

Chateau Chenonceau \u2013 practical information<\/span><\/h2>

Visit<\/h3>

Visits to Chenonceau Castle<\/strong> are by reservation only, on the official Chenonceau Castle website.<\/a> Time slots are available. Audio guides are available on reservation. <\/span><\/p>

Opening hours<\/h3>

Chenonceau is usually open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm in low season, and from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm in high season.<\/span><\/p>

Rates<\/h3>

There are different rates for individuals, families, groups and accompanying adults, ranging from 11 euros to 15 euros, depending on the situation. You can check these rates on the official Chenonceau Castle website. <\/span><\/p>

chateau chenonceau \u2013 How to find us<\/h3>

Access to Chenonceau castle is via the town of Chenonceaux and rue du Chateau, where there is a parking lot. The TER train stops at Chenonceaux. <\/span><\/p>

Castle services<\/h3>

The chateau offers many services, including disabled access, family facilities, and even pets are welcome. In addition to a parking lot with recharging stations, the Chenonceau chateau has a boutique offering a wide range of souvenirs \u2013 some of which are unique. <\/span><\/p>

Events at Chenonceau castle<\/h3>

The Chenonceau estate regularly organizes events: ch\u00e2teau night, a wine walk, night walks or walks under the stars, heritage days, etc\u2026<\/span><\/p>

Chateau Chenonceau \u2013 History and anecdotes<\/span><\/h2>

In the beginning<\/h3>

The first part of the ch\u00e2teau was built in the 12th century; however, it does not have an elevated bridge over the Cher. The ch\u00e2teau is now owned by the Marques family. The ch\u00e2teau was rebuilt in the 15th century, this time on the banks of the Cher.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

The new castle<\/h3>

At the end of the 10th century, the ch\u00e2teau 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 project<\/strong>starting with the demolition of the former ch\u00e2teau, and building the ch\u00e2teau as it stands today. <\/span><\/p>

After the death of Chenonceau\u2019s owner, the ch\u00e2teau was handed over to the king. However, Fran\u00e7ois I<\/sup> did not undertake any work at Chenonceau. It was during the reign of Henri II\u2019s son that things changed, when he offered Chenonceau to his beloved Diane de Poitiers in 1547.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>

Le chateau des dames<\/h3>

Diane de Poitiers<\/h4>

In 1556, Diane de Poitiers decided to build a bridge<\/strong> to enable her to enjoy the gardens and forest on the other side of the Cher. Construction was completed in 1559. Ch\u00e2teau de Chenonceau Chenonceau was returned to the French crown following the intervention of Catherine de M\u00e9dicis. <\/span><\/p>

Catherine de Medici<\/h4>

A few years later, Catherine de M\u00e9dicis took charge of the construction of the gardens and the ch\u00e2teau, and organized events at the ch\u00e2teau.<\/strong> 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 M\u00e9dicis died in 1598, leaving behind a number of debts and much unfinished work. <\/span><\/p>

Louise de Lorraine<\/h4>

Louise de Lorraine, widow of King Henri III of France, assassinated in 1598, became owner of the ch\u00e2teau and dressed it in black in response to her grief. This is why Louise de Lorraine is known as \u201cthe white lady of Chenonceau\u201d.<\/strong> Following financial difficulties, the ch\u00e2teau became the property of C\u00e9sar de Vend\u00f4me and Fran\u00e7oise de Lorraine after Louise de Lorraine\u2019s death. <\/span><\/p>

Marie de Luxembourg<\/h4>

After further formalities, the ch\u00e2teau 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. <\/span><\/p>

Claude Dupin married Louise de Fontaine, who ran a literary salon at the Ch\u00e2teau de Chenonceau, where she met personalities from the Age of Enlightenment, including Rousseau, Montesquieu and Voltaire.<\/strong> The Dupins also carried out extensive restoration work, giving Chenonceau its former prestige.<\/span><\/p>

The 19th century<\/h3>

Chateau Chenonceau underwent major transformations in the 19th century<\/strong> under the direction of architect F\u00e9lix Roguet, at the request of new owner Marguerite Wilson, wife of Pelouze. She also installed the Acad\u00e9mie des Arts et des Lettres there. After many years of work and debts, the ch\u00e2teau became the property of Cr\u00e9dit 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. <\/span><\/p>

The 20th century<\/h3>

The ch\u00e2teau is currently under the control of the Menier family. Major restoration work was carried out in 2009.<\/span><\/p>

Here are some frequently asked questions<\/p>

FAQs about the Chenonceau Castle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>

Where is the Ch\u00e2teau de Chenonceau located?<\/strong><\/h3>

The Ch\u00e2teau 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\u2019s approximately 214 km (133 miles) from Paris and 34 km (21 miles) from Tours.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

What are the opening hours of the Ch\u00e2teau?<\/strong><\/h3>

The Ch\u00e2teau 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\u2019s recommended to consult the official website.<\/p>

How much does it cost to visit the Ch\u00e2teau?<\/strong><\/h3>

As of 2025, individual ticket prices are:<\/p>