Château de Chenonceau: Tickets

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Château de Chenonceau FAQs

• ‍‍Do I need to book tickets in advance to visit Château de Chenonceau?
• We always suggest booking tickets in advance if you know when you are planning to visit, yes. It’s one of the most popular Château’s in the Loire Valley, so it does get busy. Booking tickets in advance means you can avoid the queues and enjoy more time inside!
• Is Château de Chenonceau wheelchair accessible?
• Yes, Château de Chenonceau is wheelchair accessible. They also offer wheelchairs for rent should they be required.
• Is there a restaurant at Château de Chenonceau?
• There is a restaurant at Château de Chenonceau, yes. They serve sandwiches, salads, pastries, crepes and other hot dishes. A very popular restaurant during the summer months.
• Where is Château de Chenonceau?
• Château de Chenonceau is in the Loire Valley, near the town of Chenonceaux.
• When was Château de Chenonceau built?
• Château de Chenonceau was originally constructed in the early 16th century, around 1513.
• Who built Château de Chenonceau?
• It was Thomas Bohier, a wealthy French courtier, and his wife Katherine Briçonnet that commissioned it.
• Why is Château de Chenonceau called the "Ladies' Castle"?
• Many influential women, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici, played significant roles in the château’s history and design and so it was given the nickname of “Ladies’ Castle”!
• What is unique about the architecture of Château de Chenonceau?
• The château spans the River Cher, with its iconic arched gallery bridge making it one of the most distinctive castles in the world.
• Who was Diane de Poitiers and how is she connected to Château de Chenonceau?
• Diane de Poitiers was the mistress of King Henry II, who gifted her the château. It was Diane that added the iconic bridge over the River Cher!
• What role did Catherine de' Medici play in the Château de Chenonceau history?
• After Henry II's death, Catherine claimed the château and took it back from Diane de Poitiers, the king’s mistress, and Catherine went on to expand it by adding the elegant gallery on the bridge.
• What happened to Château de Chenonceau during World War I?
• Château de Chenonceau was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the war.
• What was the role of Château de Chenonceau in World War II?
• Its bridge served as a crossing point between Nazi-occupied France and the Free Zone.
• Can you visit Château de Chenonceau?
• Absolutely, yes! Château de Chenonceau is open to the public and is one of France's most visited historic sites. Click HERE for ticket options.
• Does Château de Chenonceau have gardens?
• Yes, it has beautiful gardens, including Diane de Poitiers’ and Catherine de' Medici’s gardens.

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Château de Chenonceau Fun Facts

• The "Ladies' Castle": Château de Chenonceau is often called "The Ladies' Castle" because it was largely influenced and owned by powerful women, including Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de' Medici, and Louise Dupin!
• Built on a Bridge: The château is uniquely built on the Cher River, with its iconic gallery spanning across the river like a bridge. This design is what makes Chenonceau so famous and picturesque.
• Catherine de' Medici's Legacy: After King Henry II's death, his widow, Catherine de' Medici, took the château back from the King’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers. It was Catherine that expanded the gardens and added the grand gallery over the river!
• World War II Role: During World War II, the château's gallery served as a passage between Nazi-occupied France and the Free Zone, making it a critical escape route.
• Sumptuous Gardens: The château is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the Garden of Diane de Poitiers and the Garden of Catherine de' Medici. Each garden reflects the personality and tastes of its namesake.
• Art Collection: Château de Chenonceau houses an impressive collection of art, including works by famous artists like Rubens, Tintoretto, and Van Dyck.
• Royal Chapel: The château has a private chapel, richly decorated and adorned with beautiful stained glass windows. The windows were destroyed during World War II and later restored.
• Louise Dupin’s Enlightenment Salon: In the 18th century, Louise Dupin held a famous salon at Chenonceau, where intellectuals like Voltaire and Rousseau discussed ideas of the Enlightenment.
• Phantom of the Château: There is a legend that the ghost of Louise de Lorraine, the widow of King Henry III, haunts the château. After her husband’s assassination, she spent the rest of her life in mourning at Chenonceau.
• Medical Role in WWI: During World War I, the château was converted into a hospital by its then-owner, Gaston Menier, treating over 2,000 wounded soldiers.
• Ownership by the Menier Family: The Menier family, famous for their chocolate empire, purchased the château in 1913. They are still the owners today.