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Chaumont-sur-Loire Tickets
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Explore Loire Valley’s most innovative château reimagined yearly through ever-changing garden art.
- Everything you get: Skip the ticket line and explore Chaumont’s storybook towers, historical apartments—like the famous guard room and the so-called Catherine de Medici room—and expansive parklands with Loire views. From Apr 19 to Nov 2, enjoy the world-renowned International Garden Festival with 30+ avant-garde landscapes, plus seasonal programs and art exhibits.
- Why choose this: Set your own pace as you explore the perennial garden art, bold art installations, and richly restored château interiors—a rare blend of heritage and creativity.
Explore Loire Valley’s most innovative château reimagined yearly through ever-changing garden art.
- Everything you get: Skip the ticket line and explore Chaumont’s storybook towers, historical apartments—like the famous guard room and the so-called Catherine de Medici room—and expansive parklands with Loire views. From Apr 19 to Nov 2, enjoy the world-renowned International Garden Festival with 30+ avant-garde landscapes, plus seasonal programs and art exhibits.
- Why choose this: Set your own pace as you explore the perennial garden art, bold art installations, and richly restored château interiors—a rare blend of heritage and creativity.
Inclusions
- Skip the ticket line entry
- Access to the International Garden Festival from April 19—November 2, 2025
- Cultural programs and events (subject to availability)
Exclusions
- Guided tours
- Audio guides
- Transportation
- Free admission is available for visitors with disabilities and one accompanying person.
- The castle and gardens are wheelchair-accessible.
- Wheelchair available for loan.
- Animals are not allowed on site, except for guide dogs.
- Languages spoken on-site are English and French.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, you can use them any time until 2 November, 2025.
- These tickets are valid until 2 November, 2025.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.1
2,443 ratings
1.4K
558
77
74
307
Guests from Spain, Italy, Hungary and over 12 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Nigel
Jun 2025Verified booking
I knew very little about this wonderful Chateau and it's wonderful art and nature displays. My wife and I were recommended to visit after we had visited many of the other famous Chateaus and gardens. This was likely our favorite and would have liked to spend more time in the gardens exploring . Well done.
Julie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Poirier
Jun 2025Verified booking
Marie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sandrine
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sire
Jun 2025Verified booking
Cynthia
Jun 2025Verified booking
THIERY
Jun 2025Verified booking
ALESSANDRI
May 2025Verified booking
PIERRE
May 2025Verified booking
Martin
May 2025Verified booking
Szabolcs
May 2025Verified booking
Danielle
May 2025Verified booking
Akos
Apr 2025Verified booking
Dominique
Apr 2025Verified booking
BONNET
Mar 2025Verified booking
Karen
Sep 2024Verified booking
So clean and the gardens were so lovely. The castle was enjoyable too. The flowers were beautiful
conceicao
Sep 2024Verified booking
the château, gardens and stables I didn't appreciate the works in nature, which were sometimes even rusty and of no interest whatsoever when I see that some people go to art school to produce such things, it's shameful.
View original review in French
Meg
Oct 2024Verified booking
Loved the art installations at the chateau and the gardens were spectacular
Iveta
Nov 2024Verified booking
alan
Nov 2024Verified booking
Marc
Oct 2024Verified booking
DOMINIQUE
Sep 2024Verified booking
Tomás
Sep 2024Verified booking
Michel
Sep 2024Verified booking
Plot your Loire fairy-tale—one château at a time
Chaumont-sur-Loire sits right in the middle of château country. You’re just a short drive from big names like Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise—each offering something different: garden art, royal drama, or Renaissance flair. Whether you're day-tripping or planning a full route, Chaumont pairs perfectly with nearby castles. Here's how to mix and match them for the most rewarding detours.
Combos
Chaumont-sur-Loire + 1 Loire Valley Castle Combo
from €35
€33.25
5% off
Pair your Chaumont visit with another Loire Valley gem—choose from Chambord, Chenonceau, or Blois Castles.
- Everything you get at Chaumont**:** Step into a fairytale world where Gothic towers meet modern creativity. Explore the 15th-century château, wander Catherine de Medici’s room, and discover reimagined royal apartments. Outside, roam the acclaimed International Garden Festival (Apr–Nov), where up to 30 themed gardens push the boundaries of landscape design. Inside the château, contemporary art installations bring bold new energy to historic halls.
- Everything you get at your chosen castle: Pick your second stop: climb the twin-helix staircase at Chambord, stroll Chenonceau’s arched bridge over the Cher, explore the Gothic-to-Renaissance wings of Blois, or return to Chaumont-style gardens with a twist. Each ticket comes with skip-the-line access—so you can see more, wait less.
- Why choose this: Pair Chaumont with a second must-see château in the Loire Valley—no juggling bookings or lines, and up to €12 saved when booked together.
Pair your Chaumont visit with another Loire Valley gem—choose from Chambord, Chenonceau, or Blois Castles.
- Everything you get at Chaumont**:** Step into a fairytale world where Gothic towers meet modern creativity. Explore the 15th-century château, wander Catherine de Medici’s room, and discover reimagined royal apartments. Outside, roam the acclaimed International Garden Festival (Apr–Nov), where up to 30 themed gardens push the boundaries of landscape design. Inside the château, contemporary art installations bring bold new energy to historic halls.
- Everything you get at your chosen castle: Pick your second stop: climb the twin-helix staircase at Chambord, stroll Chenonceau’s arched bridge over the Cher, explore the Gothic-to-Renaissance wings of Blois, or return to Chaumont-style gardens with a twist. Each ticket comes with skip-the-line access—so you can see more, wait less.
- Why choose this: Pair Chaumont with a second must-see château in the Loire Valley—no juggling bookings or lines, and up to €12 saved when booked together.
Inclusions
Chamount-sur-Loire
- Skip the ticket line entry (security check is a must)
- Access to the International Garden Festival from April 9—November 2, 2025
- Cultural programs and events (subject to availability)
Chenonceau Castle
- Skip the ticket line entry (security check is a must)
- Multilingual visitors' brochure (available in 18 languages)
Chambord Castle
- Skip the ticket line entry (security check is a must)
- Access to temporary exhibitions
- Multilingual visitor's guide
- A 20-minute movie about the castle translated into English, Spanish, German, and Italian
Royal Blois Castle
- Skip the ticket line entry (security check is a must)
- Access to the royal apartments and the Museum of Fine Arts
- Multilingual visitor's guide (available in 14 languages)
Exclusions
- Guided tours
- Audio guides
- Transportation
Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Free admission is available for visitors with disabilities and one accompanying person. Also, for children under 18 years can enter for free.
- Wheelchair available for loan.
- Animals are not allowed on site, except for guide dogs.
- Languages spoken on-site are English and French.
Chenonceau Castle
- The castle, restrooms, restaurants, shops, and gardens are wheelchair-accessible.
- Leashed dogs are allowed in the gardens, and small dogs should be carried; guided dogs are allowed throughout the estate.
Chambord Castle
- There is low connectivity within the castle; download your tickets in advance.
- The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible; upper floors have elevators.
- Pets are not allowed inside the castle, gardens, and stables; they are in the park, on a leash.
- Guide dogs are allowed through the entire estate.
- Since this is a historic site, certain rooms are exceptionally closed to visitors.
- Autumns and winters are exceptionally cold inside the castle. Plan accordingly.
Royal Blois Castle
- Free admission is available for visitors with disabilities and one accompanying person.
- Wheelchair available for loan.
- Children under 13 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- No animals are allowed on site except guide dogs.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, you can use them any time until 20 August, 2025.
- These tickets are valid until 20 August, 2025.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
16,205 ratings
11.8K
2.7K
359
313
1.0K
Guests from Spain, United States, Italy and over 27 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Jill
Jun 2025Verified booking
We loved it. Spent the whole day there. Only discovered that we could borrow an iPad with English info in the afternoon. The young lady in the morning told us that no such thing existed.
Nigel
Jun 2025Verified booking
I knew very little about this wonderful Chateau and it's wonderful art and nature displays. My wife and I were recommended to visit after we had visited many of the other famous Chateaus and gardens. This was likely our favorite and would have liked to spend more time in the gardens exploring . Well done.
Harvey
May 2025Verified booking
Ticketing was very easy online. The site was incredible - could have spent days instead of hours. We saw a lot and learned a lot. Thanks.
Le
Apr 2025Verified booking
The film explaining the history of the château, the explanatory panels in all the rooms, the exhibition of paintings and the temporary exhibition of the Japanese artist
View original review in French
FECOURT
Jun 2025Verified booking
Rosalie Nature Visit the castle
View original review in French
Sheldon
May 2025Verified booking
This place is perfect for people who are interested in the history of French aristocracy.
MAY
May 2025Verified booking
Easy booking and date selection
View original review in French
Darry
May 2025Verified booking
No waiting time thanks to queue cutters Simple and efficient Magnificent castles
View original review in French
GIROUARD
Jun 2025Verified booking
guerin
Jun 2025Verified booking
Marie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Julie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Marc
Jun 2025Verified booking
FAUGERON
Jun 2025Verified booking
Poirier
Jun 2025Verified booking
Ana
Jun 2025Verified booking
Marie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Tarriant
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sandrine
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sire
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sylvie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Michel
Jun 2025Verified booking
ROUSSEAU
Jun 2025Verified booking
Natasa
Jun 2025Verified booking
Onraedt
Jun 2025Verified booking
Combos
Chaumont-sur-Loire + 2 Loire Valley Castle Combo
from €53
€47.70
10% off
See 3 iconic castles in one day—save on entry and skip the lines across the Loire.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a self-paced tour of a cliffside château with medieval towers and Renaissance flair. Step through historic rooms once tied to Catherine de Medici, then experience bold landscape art at the seasonal Garden Festival (Apr–Nov).
- Everything you get at your 2 chosen castles: Pick two to round out your trio- Climb Chambord’s famous double-helix staircase and walk its rooftop terraces. Cross Chenonceau’s river bridge—one of the Loire’s most romantic châteaux. Explore Blois’s mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and royal drama across centuries.
- Why choose this: Flexible three-castle ticket lets you dive deeper into the Loire’s royal legacy—no multiple bookings, no ticket counter waits, and up to €20 saved versus booking separately.
See 3 iconic castles in one day—save on entry and skip the lines across the Loire.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a self-paced tour of a cliffside château with medieval towers and Renaissance flair. Step through historic rooms once tied to Catherine de Medici, then experience bold landscape art at the seasonal Garden Festival (Apr–Nov).
- Everything you get at your 2 chosen castles: Pick two to round out your trio- Climb Chambord’s famous double-helix staircase and walk its rooftop terraces. Cross Chenonceau’s river bridge—one of the Loire’s most romantic châteaux. Explore Blois’s mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and royal drama across centuries.
- Why choose this: Flexible three-castle ticket lets you dive deeper into the Loire’s royal legacy—no multiple bookings, no ticket counter waits, and up to €20 saved versus booking separately.
Inclusions
Chamount-sur-Loire
- Skip the ticket line entry (security check is a must)
- Access to the International Garden Festival (seasonal)
- Cultural programs and events (subject to availability)
Chenonceau Castle
- Skip the ticket line entry (security check is a must)
- Multilingual visitors' brochure (available in 18 languages)
Chambord Castle
- Skip the ticket line entry (security check is a must)
- Access to temporary exhibitions
- Multilingual visitor's guide
- A 20-minute movie about the castle translated into English, Spanish, German, and Italian
Royal Blois Castle
- Skip the ticket line entry (security check is a must)
- Access to the royal apartments and the Museum of Fine Arts
- Multilingual visitor's guide (available in 14 languages)
Exclusions
- Guided tours
- Audio guides
- Transportation
Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Free admission is available for visitors with disabilities and one accompanying person.
- Wheelchair available for loan.
- Animals are not allowed on site, except for guide dogs.
- Languages spoken on-site are English and French.
Chenonceau Castle
- The castle, restrooms, restaurants, shops, and gardens are wheelchair-accessible.
- Leashed dogs are allowed in the gardens, and small dogs should be carried; guided dogs are allowed throughout the estate.
Chambord Castle
- There is low connectivity within the castle; download your tickets in advance.
- The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible; upper floors have elevators.
- Pets are not allowed inside the castle, gardens, and stables; they are in the park, on a leash.
- Guide dogs are allowed through the entire estate.
- Since this is a historic site, certain rooms are exceptionally closed to visitors.
- Autumns and winters are exceptionally cold inside the castle. Plan accordingly.
Royal Blois Castle
- Free admission is available for visitors with disabilities and one accompanying person.
- Wheelchair available for loan.
- Children under 13 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- No animals are allowed on site except guide dogs.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, you can use them any time until 20 August, 2025.
- These tickets are valid until 20 August, 2025.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
16,205 ratings
11.8K
2.7K
359
313
1.0K
Guests from Spain, United States, Italy and over 27 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Jill
Jun 2025Verified booking
We loved it. Spent the whole day there. Only discovered that we could borrow an iPad with English info in the afternoon. The young lady in the morning told us that no such thing existed.
Nigel
Jun 2025Verified booking
I knew very little about this wonderful Chateau and it's wonderful art and nature displays. My wife and I were recommended to visit after we had visited many of the other famous Chateaus and gardens. This was likely our favorite and would have liked to spend more time in the gardens exploring . Well done.
Harvey
May 2025Verified booking
Ticketing was very easy online. The site was incredible - could have spent days instead of hours. We saw a lot and learned a lot. Thanks.
Le
Apr 2025Verified booking
The film explaining the history of the château, the explanatory panels in all the rooms, the exhibition of paintings and the temporary exhibition of the Japanese artist
View original review in French
FECOURT
Jun 2025Verified booking
Rosalie Nature Visit the castle
View original review in French
Sheldon
May 2025Verified booking
This place is perfect for people who are interested in the history of French aristocracy.
MAY
May 2025Verified booking
Easy booking and date selection
View original review in French
Darry
May 2025Verified booking
No waiting time thanks to queue cutters Simple and efficient Magnificent castles
View original review in French
GIROUARD
Jun 2025Verified booking
guerin
Jun 2025Verified booking
Marie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Julie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Marc
Jun 2025Verified booking
FAUGERON
Jun 2025Verified booking
Poirier
Jun 2025Verified booking
Ana
Jun 2025Verified booking
Marie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Tarriant
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sandrine
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sire
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sylvie
Jun 2025Verified booking
Michel
Jun 2025Verified booking
ROUSSEAU
Jun 2025Verified booking
Natasa
Jun 2025Verified booking
Onraedt
Jun 2025Verified booking
Loire ValleyDomaine du Château de Chaumont-Sur-Loire Tickets
Make the most of Loire Valley
Why visit Chaumont-sur-Loire?
Is Chaumont the right castle for you
Castle
Why it's different
Travel time from Chaumont
Best for…
Quick links
Chaumont-sur-Loire
Medieval-Renaissance château + annual Garden Festival
—
Garden lovers & art-meets-history fans
Amboise
Former royal residence with sweeping river views and da Vinci’s tomb
≈ 30 min drive
Renaissance heritage & royal intrigue
Clos Lucé
Leonardo da Vinci’s final home with models of his inventions
≈ 35 min drive
Da Vinci fans & interactive exhibits
Blois
A château with Gothic to Classical wings and nightly light shows (Apr–Sept)
≈ 25 min drive
Architecture buffs & evening entertainment
Chenonceau
Iconic château spanning the River Cher with elegant formal gardens
≈ 35 min drive
Romantic riverside beauty & women’s history
Chambord
The largest Loire château, famed for its double-helix staircase
≈ 50 min drive
Monumental scale & forest surroundings
Booking guide: Find the right ticket for your Chaumont visit
Entry ticket
- Access to the fully furnished historical and private apartments, the stables, the grounds, the Centre for Arts & Nature, and the International Garden Festival.
Recommended experiences:
- Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle & Gardens Tickets
Multi-castle ticket
- Explore Chaumont-sur-Loire plus one or two additional castles, such as–Chambord, Chenonceau, or Royal Blois–either on the same day or spread over a short trip. You’ll save compared to buying individual tickets, and you get the flexibility to choose your own route and timing.
Recommended experiences:
Visual guide to Loire Valley castles
Getting around the Loire Valley
Whether you’re chasing fairytale castles or cruising vineyard roads, here’s how to get around the Loire Valley by car, train, bus, or tour—each with its pros, routes, and tips.
Self-drive
By train
Bus & shuttle services
Organized tours
Best for: Flexible explorers, families, and road-trippers keen to reach remote châteaux and villages.
Timings & availability: You drive on your schedule. Available daily in cities like Orléans, Tours, Blois, and at airports. Book ahead during peak season.
Where to start/stop: Pick-up/drop-off at train stations, airports, or city centers. Parking is widely available at châteaux.
- The Loire Valley is perfect for road trips. Roads are scenic, signage is clear, and distances are manageable.
- Driving lets you stop at charming towns, vineyards, or gardens en route. Typical trips cover 3–5 castles over 3–6 days.
- GPS is a must—some remote areas have patchy mobile service. Fuel and tolls are additional costs to consider.
🔁 Pro tip: Combine car rental with a stay in a château hotel or vineyard B&B for the full countryside escape.
Best for: Eco-conscious travelers, solo explorers, and those visiting popular towns or castles with nearby stations.
Frequency & timings:
- TGV: Paris to Tours or Angers in ~1 hour, multiple departures daily.
- TER regional trains connect Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Saumur, and Nantes throughout the day.
- “Train Vélo Loire” (summer only): 3 daily round trips for cyclists between Orléans and Nantes.
Nearest stops: Stations in Orléans, Blois, Tours (St-Pierre-des-Corps and Tours Centre), Saumur, Angers, and Nantes.
- Trains are fast, clean, and reliable—great for covering large distances. Most tickets can be booked online or at the station; validate paper tickets before boarding.
- Some castles like Chenonceau have train stations right outside the entrance. Others (like Chambord) require a shuttle or taxi from the nearest town.
🚲 Bonus: Traveling with a bike? "Train Vélo Loire" lets you ride the scenic Loire à Vélo trail with train support in summer.
Best for: Budget travelers and those filling gaps between train stops and remote châteaux.
Frequency & timings: Limited regional bus service between towns; often only a few trips per day. For example: SNCF bus from Port Boulet to Tours runs 5x a week, ~every 4 hours. Seasonal shuttles connect some châteaux to nearby train stations during summer.
Nearest stops: Stops in town centers, train stations, or near château entrances—check local timetables.
- Buses are affordable but slower and less frequent than trains.
- Timings can be sparse on weekends or holidays—planning ahead is essential.
- Local tourism offices (e.g., in Blois, Amboise) often list seasonal shuttles to major castles.
📍 Tip: Use Rome2Rio or local transport apps for updated schedules and connections.
Best for: First-timers, limited-time visitors, and anyone who wants a stress-free, informative experience without driving or planning.
Frequency & timings: Daily departures from Paris, Tours, Amboise - morning departures, returning late afternoon/evening. Options include half-day, full-day, and multi-day itineraries.
Nearest stops: Pick-up points at train stations, central hotels, or designated spots in major towns.
- Tours cover 2–3 castles in one day, including entry tickets, skip-the-line access, and an expert guide.
- Some also include wine tastings or lunch at local restaurants. Small-group and private tours offer a more personal experience.
- Best booked in advance—especially in high season.
🌟 Bonus: No need to worry about driving, parking, or navigating rural roads—just sit back and soak in the stories.
What to see at the castle
See all photos
Things to do at the castle
International Gaden Festival
An annual festival that welcomes global landscape artists and designers to transform the castle’s gardens into a living canvas of creativity. Visitors learn new concepts of horticulture and gardening, in addition to enjoying a unique sensory experience.
Centre for Arts & Nature
Explore contemporary art installations and multimedia exhibits which transform the castle grounds into an open-air museum. The centre celebrates the fusion of nature and creativity, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
The guard room
Adorned with 15th and 19th-century armour and weapons, including Ottoman pieces gifted by the Maharaja of Kapurthala, the guard room served several purposes over the years. It was a security entrance, a space for weaponry training, and a vantage point overlooking the drawbridge and inner courtyard.
Catherine de Medici room
Named after the queen who bought the castle in 1550 for profit, this space may have served as a state room, dining room, bathroom, or reception area. It features the castle’s oldest tapestry, The Story of Perseus and Pegasus, woven in Tournai in the late 15th century.
Council chamber
Renowned for its Planets and Days tapestry and Sicilian majolica floor tiles, this was the official state room, used for important events such as audiences, judgements, and feasts. Fully furnished today, it reflects the grandeur of the 16th century.
Private apartments
Home of the Broglie family who owned the castle between 1875–1938, it was historically remodelled in 2007, leading to the rehabilitation of the Great Salon, Library and Dining Room—making it one of the Loire Valley’s most richly furnished castles.
The chapel
A small, hexagonal chapel featuring stained glass windows, contemporary art installations, and the council chamber with Sicilian majolica floor tiles.
The stables
Horses were of prime importance in the 19th century, used for hunting. Two stables were built—a larger one was for the family and a smaller one for guests.
Plan your visit
Opening hours
Location
Facilities
Accessibility
Dine
Stay
Rules
Tips
- By season: The castle is open every day at 10am and closes between 5:30–7pm, depending on the season. The last entry is one hour before closing time.
- Closed on: January 1 and December 25.
- Best time to visit: During the International Garden Festival, which runs from April–November.
- Recommended duration of visit: 3–4 hours while visiting during the garden festival. Otherwise, 2 hours.
Address: Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France. Find on Maps
From Paris
- By train: Board from Paris Montparnasse to St Pierre-des-Corps, then transfer to Onzain station. Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- By bus: Board from Paris Quai de Bercy to Blois, then transfer to a local shuttle service.
Travel time: 3 hours and 24 minutes - By car: Drive on the A10 motorway and take exit 18. Free parking is available in the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Travel time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
A free car park is available at the castle’s south entrance, in the village, and along the Loire River. Access from the car park to the castle is a climb up the hill.
Detailed directions to Chaumont-sur-Loire CastleLocal transport
- By train: Board from Blois to Onzain station, which is 4 km from the castle.
Travel time: 30 minutes - By shuttle service: Board an Azalys-operated shuttle from Blois.
Travel time: 10 minutes - On a bicycle: Via La Loire à Vélo route from Blois to Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Travel time: one hour
- Locker facility
- Pushchair storage
- Baby facilities
- Seating areas inside the castle and its surroundings during the garden festival
- Restaurants
- Boutique
- Free parking
- Parking: Six designated parking spaces are available at the south entrance.
- Access: Entry is free for visitors with disabilities (requires presentation of proof); their accompanying person may qualify for a reduced rate.The castle’s ground floor, courtyard, chapel, and boutique are wheelchair-accessible. Adapted restrooms are located in the stables.
- Services: Wheelchairs are available for rental. A Braille visitors' guide is available upon request. Adapted guided tours are available for small groups, upon request and reservations. Recliner chairs and benches throughout the castle and the grounds during the garden festival.
- Le Grand Chaume: Located 300 meters from the castle at Hotel Le Bois des Chambres, this Michelin-rated restaurant offers a refined, seasonal menu crafted by Chef Guillaume Foucault. Try their Poached pigeon with quince and leek. Budget for two: €80–€110
- Le Grand Velum: Situated within the castle grounds, this restaurant features a glass-roofed dining area and offers a gourmet menu inspired by the International Garden Festival themes. It is open seasonally from April to November. Budget for two: €60–€70
- Le Comptoir des Tilleuls: Located near the castle’s entrance, this casual eatery offers a selection of regional dishes made with local and organic ingredients. Enjoy Assorted local cheeses with fresh bread. Budget for two: €30–€40
- Le Café du Parc: Set within the castle’s grounds, this cafe serves light meals, pastries, and beverages, perfect for a mid-visit break. Try their Quiche Lorraine with a side salad. Budget for two: €20–€30
- L'Estaminet: A traditional French bistro offering a variety of classic dishes in a cozy setting. Try Coq au vin with seasonal vegetables. Budget for two: €35–€45
- Le Bois des Chambres: ~600 m (8‑min walk) Charming boutique B&B with garden terrace, free parking, and a restaurant on-site. Ideal if you want comfort just steps from the château.
- Les Hauts de Loire (Relais & Châteaux): ~4 km (6‑min drive) Luxury country lodge with spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, pool, and elegant gardens. Perfect for a romantic or indulgent stay.
- Le Motu Loire: ~1.1 km (14‑min walk) Comfortable and budget-friendly guesthouse with simple rooms and garden views. Great for a peaceful, no-fuss night near the Loire.
- Au Ginkgo: ~1 km (12‑min walk) Warm, well-rated guesthouse with thoughtful hosts—they even store bikes—and tasty breakfast. Ideal for a cozy stay near the château.
- Gîte La Chaumonière: ~1 km (11‑min walk) Self-catering cottage with garden and private feel—great for families or those wanting a home-away-from-home vibe.
- Security checks are mandatory.
- Larger bags and suitcases are prohibited on-site.
- Pets are allowed in the gardens but on leash. They are not allowed in the castle, the French gardens, or the stables.
- Guide dogs are allowed throughout the estate.
- Arrive before 10:30am to enjoy the gardens and château peacefully before crowds roll in—especially during the Garden Festival (April to Nov).
- Prioritize the gardens—they’re the real stars, with new artistic designs each year. Let yourself wander.
- Bring a picnic! There’s a lovely picnic area by the south entrance or quiet spots near the lake.
- If visiting in summer, stay for evening events like the candlelit “Magical Nights” or the “Gardens of Light”—they’re stunning.
- For unique château photos, cross the river for the best panoramic shots—sunrise and sunset light work wonders.
- Accessibility is decent—wheelchairs available on request, with marked routes and lots of benches.
- Dogs are welcome in the gardens and park (but not inside the château).
Beyond Chaumont-sur-Loire
Villandry Castle
If you enjoyed the gardens at Chaumont, you’ll want to make the short drive to Villandry, only 13 km away. They are known for being more structured and geometrical, especially the ornamental and vegetable gardens.
Ussé Castle
Just 16 km away, Ussé feels like a fairy-tale castle has come alive. Said to have inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty, this castle has a traditional architectural design with
towers and turrets.
Chenonceau Castle
Chenonceau, known at the Ladies’ Castle, is a mere 27 km from Chaumont and has a similar riverside views and quietness to it. While one overlooks the Loire River, the other sits across it, reflecting its garden arches.
Frequently asked questions about booking Chaumont-sur-Loire tickets
How far in advance should I book my tickets?
If you’re planning a visit during the months of the International Garden Festival (Aoril to November), it is recommended to book your tickets at least one month in advance.
Are any resources available on site to help me understand the castle better?
Yes, for an additional cost of €4, you can buy an audio guide to understand the history and art installations better.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, private guided tours are available daily at 11am and 3pm in English and French.
Can I visit the castle outside of the garden festival?
Yes, Chaumont-sur-Loire castle in open daily, throughout the year. Visiting outside of the garden festival means fewer crowds and no sightings of the seasonal blooms.
Is the International Garden Festival worth attending?
Yes, it is one-of-its-kind and is the biggest attractor of the castle. It welcomes global designers and artists to change the landscape scenery—30 gardens are created based on an annual theme.
Is the castle visit suitable for children?
Yes, children enjoy the castle as much as adults. There are multiple kid-friendly activities—an annual art exhibition and a free kids' booklet filled with information about the castle—to keep your little one engaged and appreciative of their surroundings.