Why visit Chaumont-sur-Loire?

International Garden Festival

Since 1992, the International Garden Festival has made Chaumont a hub for cutting-edge landscape art. Each year, designers from around the world create bold, experimental gardens across the estate.

Castle with a storied past

This 15th-century château was once home to Diane de Poitiers, who was exiled here by Catherine de Medici in a power play after Henry II’s death—making it a key stop in France’s royal saga.

Centre for arts and nature

From sculpture trails to photography shows, contemporary art installations dot the park, stables, and château rooms—creating a museum without walls that evolves with the seasons.

Loire views worth lingering over

Set high above the river, the estate offers panoramic views of the Loire Valley—especially striking at golden hour or from the belvédère paths.

Summer nights, garden lights

From June to September, the gardens glow after dusk with soft lighting, floral scents, and ambient sounds—an immersive, multisensory evening experience.

Is Chaumont the right castle for you

Castle	Why it's different	Travel time from Chaumont	Best for…	Quick links
Chaumont-sur-Loire				Book now
Amboise				Book now
Clos Lucé				Book now
				Book now
				Book now
				Book now

Things to know before booking your Chaumont-sur-Loire tickets

A standard entry ticket gives you skip-the-ticket-line access to the castle, all permanent collections, the seasonal International Garden Festival (April to early November), and any on-site cultural programs or exhibitions happening during your visit. It's a great pick for self-guided explorers.
During peak season of International Garden Festival (April to November), ticket lines at Chaumont-sur-Loire can take up to 30–45 minutes and usually sell out real quick. Booking online, at least a month in advance, guarantees your entry and lets you head straight to security—saving you valuable time at the start of your visit.
The Loire Valley is home to over 300 castles, of which around 100 are accessible to the public. Most visitors aim to see at least 2–3 during their trip. Instead of buying separate entry tickets, you can opt for a multi-castle pass. These bundled options include Chaumont-sur-Loire and one or two other castles like Chambord or Chenonceau—and typically cost less than booking each individually.
While the Loire Valley is easily reachable by train from Paris or Tours, inter-castle travel usually requires a car, especially if you're visiting Chaumont-sur-Loire. It’s less centrally located than Chenonceau or Blois, and public transport options are limited. Renting a car or joining a guided day trips makes hopping between castles much easier.

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.

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

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

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.

Check complete monthly schedule

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 Castle

Local 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 theirQuiche 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.

Get to visit 3 Loire Valley Castles with this super saver combo offer that gives you access to the Royal Blois Castle and any 2 castles among Chambord, Chenonceau, Chaumont sur-Loire, and Villandry. Please find the map of the Loire Valley castles here.
Explore the Royal Apartments, where 7 kings and 10 queens used to reside and uncover the secrets of the royal French court.
Take in the magnificent architecture, the exquisite French gardens, and the cleverly designed double-helix staircase, of the Chambord Castle, which was modeled after Leonardo da Vinci.
Visit Chenonceau, also known as “Ladies’ Château” and admire the late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture and stroll the extensive royal gardens located alongside the Cher River.
Last, but not least, visit the Royal Blois Castle to marvel at its unique architecture, representing 4 different eras and architectural styles, and visit the Villandry Castle boasting a unique quadrangular layout.

Inclusions Royal Blois Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Blois Castle

Chambord Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Chambord Castle
Access to the castle and gardens
Access to the temporary exhibitions

Chenonceau Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Chenonceau Castle

Chaumont sur-Loire

Skip-the-line entry to Chaumont sur-Loire

Villandry Castle

Entry to Villandry Castle
Entry to the gardens

Royal Blois Castle

Tip: Located closeby to the Chambord Castle, explore the Royal Blois Castle and then head on to explore the other Loire Valley castles nearby.

Chambord and Chenonceau Castle

Tip: In order to make the most of the castle and its gardens, we recommend that you visit the Chenonceau Castle\ in April, May, June, or September.
Please note that only the ground floor of Chambord is accessible to wheelchair users, who enjoy free admission.
Since this is a historic site, certain regions may be closed for access due to maintenance or renovation.
It is allowed to bring dogs on a leash in the park, but not in the castle enclosure, the French gardens, and the Stables.
Guide dogs may access the entire premises.
Chenonceau Castle is wheelchair accessible.

Chaumont sur-Loire and Villandry Castle

Tip: During the summer you can take a boat ride along the Loire River in the Chaumont sur-Loire village in a traditional river sailboat.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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.

Plan your route

With this super saver combo, visit the Royal Blois Castle and choose to visit any 1 castle among Chambord, Chenonceau, Chaumont sur-Loire, and Villandry. Please find the map of the Loire Valley castles here.
Marvel at this architectural jewel, this splendid castle boasts a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance and beyond.
Spend your time at the Chambord Castle discovering over 60 out of 400 rooms, 80 staircases, and 365 fireplaces.
Explore the royal living quarters, the chapel, and more while admiring an extensive collection of elegant art, furniture, and interior design at the Chenonceau Castle.
Discover 26 unique gardens that you can spend hours getting lost in at the Chaumont sur-Loire, and wander through the Water Garden at Villandry, featuring a central Louis XV-style mirror basin.

Inclusions Royal Blois Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Blois Castle

Chambord Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Chambord Castle
Access to the castle and gardens
Access to the temporary exhibitions

Chenonceau Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Chenonceau Castle

Chaumont sur-Loire

Skip-the-line entry to Chaumont sur-Loire

Villandry Castle

Entry to Villandry Castle
Entry to the gardens

Royal Blois Castle

Tip: The Blois town also makes for a great base to visit other castles in the area since it is centrally located in the Loire Valley area.

Chambord and Chenonceau Castle

Tip: Take advantage of the many walking and cycling trails around the castle and in the forest.
Please note that only the ground floor of Chambord is accessible to wheelchair users, who enjoy free admission.
Since this is a historic site, certain regions may be closed for access due to maintenance or renovation.
It is allowed to bring dogs on a leash in the park, but not in the castle enclosure, the French gardens, and the Stables.
Guide dogs may access the entire premises.
Chenonceau Castle is wheelchair accessible.

Chaumont sur-Loire, and Villandry Castle

Tip: At the Villandry Castle, don’t miss out on the spectacular garden views from the upper terrace.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Get to visit 3 Loire Valley Castles with this super saver combo offer that gives you access to the Royal Blois Castle and any 2 castles among Chambord, Chenonceau, Chaumont sur-Loire, and Villandry. Please find the map of the Loire Valley castles here.
Explore the Royal Apartments, where 7 kings and 10 queens used to reside and uncover the secrets of the royal French court.
Take in the magnificent architecture, the exquisite French gardens, and the cleverly designed double-helix staircase, of the Chambord Castle, which was modeled after Leonardo da Vinci.
Visit Chenonceau, also known as “Ladies’ Château” and admire the late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture and stroll the extensive royal gardens located alongside the Cher River.
Last, but not least, visit the Royal Blois Castle to marvel at its unique architecture, representing 4 different eras and architectural styles, and visit the Villandry Castle boasting a unique quadrangular layout.

Inclusions Royal Blois Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Blois Castle

Chambord Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Chambord Castle
Access to the castle and gardens
Access to the temporary exhibitions

Chenonceau Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Chenonceau Castle

Chaumont sur-Loire

Skip-the-line entry to Chaumont sur-Loire

Villandry Castle

Entry to Villandry Castle
Entry to the gardens

Royal Blois Castle

Tip: Located closeby to the Chambord Castle, explore the Royal Blois Castle and then head on to explore the other Loire Valley castles nearby.

Chambord and Chenonceau Castle

Tip: In order to make the most of the castle and its gardens, we recommend that you visit the Chenonceau Castle\ in April, May, June, or September.
Please note that only the ground floor of Chambord is accessible to wheelchair users, who enjoy free admission.
Since this is a historic site, certain regions may be closed for access due to maintenance or renovation.
It is allowed to bring dogs on a leash in the park, but not in the castle enclosure, the French gardens, and the Stables.
Guide dogs may access the entire premises.
Chenonceau Castle is wheelchair accessible.

Chaumont sur-Loire and Villandry Castle

Tip: During the summer you can take a boat ride along the Loire River in the Chaumont sur-Loire village in a traditional river sailboat.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

With this super saver combo, visit the Royal Blois Castle and choose to visit any 1 castle among Chambord, Chenonceau, Chaumont sur-Loire, and Villandry. Please find the map of the Loire Valley castles here.
Marvel at this architectural jewel, this splendid castle boasts a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance and beyond.
Spend your time at the Chambord Castle discovering over 60 out of 400 rooms, 80 staircases, and 365 fireplaces.
Explore the royal living quarters, the chapel, and more while admiring an extensive collection of elegant art, furniture, and interior design at the Chenonceau Castle.
Discover 26 unique gardens that you can spend hours getting lost in at the Chaumont sur-Loire, and wander through the Water Garden at Villandry, featuring a central Louis XV-style mirror basin.

Inclusions Royal Blois Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Blois Castle

Chambord Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Chambord Castle
Access to the castle and gardens
Access to the temporary exhibitions

Chenonceau Castle

Skip-the-line entry to the Chenonceau Castle

Chaumont sur-Loire

Skip-the-line entry to Chaumont sur-Loire

Villandry Castle

Entry to Villandry Castle
Entry to the gardens

Royal Blois Castle

Tip: The Blois town also makes for a great base to visit other castles in the area since it is centrally located in the Loire Valley area.

Chambord and Chenonceau Castle

Tip: Take advantage of the many walking and cycling trails around the castle and in the forest.
Please note that only the ground floor of Chambord is accessible to wheelchair users, who enjoy free admission.
Since this is a historic site, certain regions may be closed for access due to maintenance or renovation.
It is allowed to bring dogs on a leash in the park, but not in the castle enclosure, the French gardens, and the Stables.
Guide dogs may access the entire premises.
Chenonceau Castle is wheelchair accessible.

Chaumont sur-Loire, and Villandry Castle

Tip: At the Villandry Castle, don’t miss out on the spectacular garden views from the upper terrace.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Chaumont-sur-Loire Tickets

Top things to do in Loire Valley

Why visit Chaumont-sur-Loire?

International Garden Festival

Castle with a storied past

Centre for arts and nature

Loire views worth lingering over

Summer nights, garden lights

Is Chaumont the right castle for you

Things to know before booking your Chaumont-sur-Loire tickets

Booking guide: Find the right ticket for your Chaumont visit

Entry ticket

Multi-castle ticket

Visual guide to Loire Valley castles

Getting around the Loire Valley

What to see at the castle

Things to do at the castle

International Gaden Festival

Centre for Arts & Nature

The guard room

Catherine de Medici room

Council chamber

Private apartments

The chapel

The stables

Plan your visit

Beyond Chaumont-sur-Loire

Villandry Castle

Ussé Castle

Chenonceau Castle

Frequently asked questions about booking Chaumont-sur-Loire tickets

Royal Blois Castle + 2 Loire Valley Castle Combo

Royal Blois Castle + 1 Loire Valley Castle Combo