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Castle · Amboise, Centro-Vale do Loire
Château de Chenonceau
16th-century castle built over the Cher River, with a two-storey gallery on a bridge, known as the Ladies' Castle.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château de Chenonceau
The Château de Chenonceau is located in the commune of Chenonceaux, about 12 km from Amboise. It was built between 1513 and 1521 by Katherine Briçonnet on the banks of the Cher River. Henry II gave it to Diane de Poitiers, who had the bridge to the opposite bank built between 1556 and 1559.
Catherine de Médicis, widow of Henry II, erected the two-storey gallery over the bridge that became the castle's iconic image. Later came Louise de Lorraine, Louise Dupin, who protected the castle during the French Revolution, and Madame Pelouze. For that reason Chenonceau is called the ladies' castle.
The visit goes through the queens' rooms, the great gallery, the chapel and the kitchens set in the bridge's piers. Outside are the Diane and Catherine gardens, a maze, the kitchen garden and the 16th-century farm.
The castle is private, owned by the Menier family, and is one of the most visited in the Loire Valley.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours for the castle and gardens.
Best time
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid groups. From May to September the gardens are usually in bloom. July and August are the busiest months.
How to get there
By car, about 15 minutes from Amboise. By train, regional TER trains run from Tours to Chenonceaux station, a few minutes' walk from the castle. From Amboise the options are taxi, bicycle, regional bus or a tour.
Tip
Buy tickets on the castle's official website: the castle itself warns that unofficial sites sell tickets at inflated prices. View the gallery from outside, on the Cher's bank, to understand the construction over the water.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château de Chenonceau
Why is Chenonceau called the ladies' castle?
Because it was built, expanded and protected by women: Katherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Médicis, Louise de Lorraine, Louise Dupin and Madame Pelouze.
How do you get to Chenonceau by train?
Take the regional train from Tours to Chenonceaux station; the castle is a few minutes' walk away.
Where can I buy tickets?
On the castle's official website or at the ticket office. Avoid unofficial sites that sell at inflated prices.
How much time should you allow?
2 to 3 hours for the castle and gardens.