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Castle · Blois, Centro-Vale do Loire
Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
A château above the Loire with a historic park, stables and the International Garden Festival, which each year brings together gardens created by landscape designers from various countries.
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 Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire stands on a hill above the river, between Blois and Amboise, about 17 km from each. The current château was built in the late 15th and 16th centuries and its owners included Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers. In the 19th century it gained an English-style park and luxurious stables.
Since 1992, the estate has hosted the International Garden Festival: each year around thirty temporary gardens are created by landscape designers around a theme; in 2026 the theme is the garden in cinema. The festival garden season usually runs from April to October; check the dates before you go.
The estate is also a centre for contemporary art, with works spread across the château, stables and park, and it includes the Prés du Goualoup, an area of permanent gardens. The site covers 32 hectares in total.
The château and park are open all year, except 1 January and 25 December. The estate belongs to the Centre-Val de Loire region.
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
Half a day; allow at least 3 hours just for the festival gardens.
Best time
From May to September, when the festival gardens are usually busiest. Arrive at opening. In winter the château and park remain open but without most of the temporary gardens.
How to get there
By car, about 20 minutes from Blois or Amboise. By train, get off at Onzain-Chaumont-sur-Loire station on the Tours–Blois line and cross the bridge; in season there is a shuttle (bus) to the entrance. The Loire à Vélo runs alongside.
Tip
If you want to see everything at a relaxed pace in the high season you can use the two-day ticket. Wear comfortable shoes: the estate is large and there are uphill sections.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
When does the Chaumont Garden Festival take place?
The gardens' season usually runs from April to October, with a new theme each year. Check the dates before you go.
Can you go by train?
Yes. Get off at Onzain-Chaumont-sur-Loire station on the line between Tours and Blois, and cross the Loire on foot or by shuttle in season.
How much time should you allow?
Half a day. The festival gardens alone take about 3 hours.
Is the estate open in winter?
Yes, the château and park are open year-round, except on 1 January and 25 December.