Château de Chenonceau

★★★★★ 4.7/5 (747,392 reviews) Excellent

About This Museum

Now, if you find yourself in the Loire Valley, you can't miss the sight of the Château de Chenonceau gracefully arching over the calm waters of the River Cher. It's not just its position that's remarkable; this place has been shaped by formidable women like Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici, each leaving their mark on its storied halls. Stepping inside feels less like visiting a museum and more like wandering through a grand, lived-in home from the Renaissance. The long gallery that spans the river, with its black-and-white tiled floor and views out onto the water, is simply unforgettable.

Collection Highlights

You'll find an incredible assembly of Old Master paintings, including works by Rubens and Tintoretto, that line the walls just as they have for centuries. Look for the poignant 16th-century tapestries in the bedrooms, which seem to whisper stories from the past.

Visitor Information

It's out in Chenonceaux—spell it with an 'x'—and is one of the most visited chateaux in France, so coming early or late in the day is a wise move to avoid the biggest crowds.

Architecture & Building

A stunning blend of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, most famous for its two-story gallery built right on top of the bridge across the river.

Contact & Location

Address: Chenonceaux, Loches, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France métropolitaine, 37150, France

Phone: +33 2 47 23 90 07

Website: Visit Website