France Travel Planner by Tom Brosnahan & Jane Fisher   Château de Chaumont, France
The Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire is perched high on a hill overlooking the river, with dramatic views and fascinating gardens.

Flowers, Château de Chaumont, France
Above, flowers at
Château de Chaumont.

 


 

 

 

With its many towers, feudal structure, and impressive entrance gate, the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire looks like a fairy tale castle. Built mostly in the 1500s, it shows Renaissance decor.

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, France

Chaumont sits high over the Loire and is accessed via a large ramp. The gradual uphill walk takes about 10 minutes and offers lovely views of the Loire.

The visit includes the private apartments, which have been furnished as they might have been for Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers, or the King.

  Fireplace, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
  Above, Porcupine fireplace commemorating the visit of Louis XII to Chaumont.

But in addition, the château often hosts exhibitions of contemporary artists' work, so you may see some rooms with modern art or stained glass.

As you explore the various rooms and towers, you'll also pass through some attic storage spaces, with "extra" suits of armor or bits of furniture—a glimpse behind the scenes.

Some rooms also reflect the Belle Époque ideas of the Prince and Princess de Broglie, who lived at Chaumont in the late 1800s. They also created most of the landscaped grounds.

On the grounds visitors can see the model farm and the extensive and luxurious stables. Built in 1877, the stables were said to be the most luxurious in Europe.

The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts an International Garden Festival from spring to fall, with a variety of gardens created and installed by different landscapers and designers. (This visit requires an extra ticket). It's a fun way to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds. Colorful flowers are everywhere.

Historical note: Catherine de Medici was married to King Henri II. When he died, it is said that Catherine took revenge on his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, by forcing her to relinquish her favorite Chenonceau and live at Chaumont instead.

Want to visit more châteaux nearby? Chaumont is about midway between Amboise and Blois; it's also not far from Cheverny, Chambord, and Chenonceau.

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
Tel: +33 (0)2 54 20 99 22
contact@domaine-chaumont.fr


Château d'Amboise

Château de Blois

Château de Cheverny

Château de Chambord

Château de Chenonceau

Châteaux of the Loire

Loire Valley Transportation

 

Flower, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, France

 

View from Château de Chaumont, France

Above, boats on the Loire, seen from the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, France.
Below, it's hard work holding up a château! Detail, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire.

Detail, Château de Chaumont, France


Flowers, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, France

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