Château de Chenonceau: Tickets

Château de Chenonceau FAQs

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• ‍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. It’s one of the most popular Château’s, 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, creps and other hot dishes. A very popular restaurant during the summer months.
• Who owns Château de Chenonceau?
• Château de Chenonceau is owned by the Menier family, who are also famous as being chocolatiers and owners of the Menier Chocolate company!
• Is Château de Chenonceau worth visiting?
• We definitely think so, yes. Its a stunning chateau that is steeped in history, including Royal history and it's design has been heavily influenced by multiple woman, which is also unusual.

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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.