Held annually, this world-renowned event transforms the castle’s grounds into an open-air museum of cutting-edge garden design. From innovative landscapes to unique plant sculptures, the festival welcomes global designers and artists who blend art and nature, creating a stunning exhibition that changes each year.
Quick Information
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
10:00–19:00
VISITORS PER YEAR
499999
TICKETS
From $24.53
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
UNESCO YEAR
2000
Why visit?
1/3
It’s where art meets nature
Unlike other Loire castles, Chaumont-sur-Loire doubles as an open-air museum. Its renowned International Garden Festival and rotating contemporary art exhibitions transform the estate into a living dialogue between landscape design and visual expression.
A home once owned by Catherine de’ Medici
Chaumont holds a curious royal twist—Catherine de’ Medici once hosted astrologers here, including Nostradamus. The castle later passed to her rival, Diane de Poitiers, giving it a layered legacy of politics, power, and personal drama.
An evolving garden experience year-round
Beyond its formal gardens, Chaumont’s parkland features experimental plots and modern landscape installations. Each season brings new surprises, making it one of the few castles where repeat visits always offer something different to see.
What to see
The International Garden Festival
Contemporary art installations
Throughout the castle’s rooms and grounds, you’ll encounter contemporary art installations that’ll make you stop and think. This is one of the few castles in the Loire Valley to regularly host contemporary art, making it a place where history, modernity, and nature collide.
The model farm
Originally built by Prince de Broglie in the 19th century, the model farm was designed to showcase modern agricultural practices. Today, it remains a working estate with stables, barns, and workshops, offering a glimpse into rural innovation of the time. Unlike the castle’s royal interiors, the farm reflects its functional past.
The stables and grounds
Explore the castle’s historic stables and model farm, which were integral to its role as a royal hunting lodge. The farm focuses on agricultural innovation and highlights the castle’s historical connection to both the arts and nature. Learn about the farming practices of the era, and discover how these spaces supported the castle’s royal life.
Highlights: Keep a lookout for
International Garden Festival
Held annually from April to November, this renowned event showcases innovative garden designs by artists and landscape architects worldwide.
History
The Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle was established in the 10th century by Odo I, Count of Blois, as a strategic fortress to defend his lands against rival factions, notably the Counts of Anjou.
Fast-forward to 1550, when Catherine de' Medici purchased the castle. After the death of her husband, King Henry II, in 1559, she compelled his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, to exchange the Chenonceau Castle for Chaumont. Diane de Poitiers resided at Chaumont only briefly before retiring to her estate at Anet.
The final private owner was Marie Say, heiress to a sugar fortune, who acquired the castle in 1875. She and her husband, Prince Henri-Amédée de Broglie, commissioned significant restorations and added luxurious stables. In 1938, Marie Say donated the estate to the French government.
Today, the castle is renowned for hosting the annual International Garden Festival, which showcases global innovative garden designs.
Architecture
Originally constructed in the 10th century, the castle was rebuilt in the late 15th century by Charles I d'Amboise after its destruction in 1465. The design retained defensive features such as round towers with conical roofs, a dry moat, and machicolations, reflecting its origins as a fortress.
Between 1498 and 1511, Charles II d'Amboise and Cardinal Georges d'Amboise introduced Renaissance elements to the structure. These included ornate stone carvings, large mullioned windows, and a grand spiral staircase, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Notable features include:
- Grand spiral staircase: A centerpiece of the castle, this staircase exemplifies the transition from medieval to Renaissance architecture, featuring intricate carvings and heraldic stained-glass windows.
- Chapel: The hexagonal chapel boasts vivid stained-glass windows and serves as a testament to the castle’s historical and artistic significance.
- Council chamber: Adorned with 16th-century Flemish tapestries and a 17th-century majolica-tiled floor from Palermo, this room reflects the opulence of the castle’s past residents.
Frequently asked questions about Chaumont Castle
Chaumont-sur-Loire stands out for its unique blend of medieval fortress design and Renaissance elegance, with round towers, a dry moat, and ornate stonework, making it a fascinating architectural mix.
Yes, the castle offers a family-friendly experience, with beautiful gardens, interactive exhibits, and a fun exploration of its historic rooms and grounds. Kids will enjoy the International Garden Festival and the castle's quirky design.
Yes, you can explore it independently, though private guided tours are available daily at 11am and 3pm in English and French, if you want in-depth insights into its history, architecture, and famous former owners.
A visit typically takes about 2-3 hours, but if you plan to enjoy the gardens or attend a special event, you might want to allow extra time.
Yes, the International Garden Festival is held annually, showcasing creative garden designs from around the world. The castle also hosts exhibitions, workshops, and other cultural events throughout the year.
Yes, it is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, with some limitations in the older parts of the building. The gardens and grounds are also accessible.
Key highlights include the castle’s medieval keep, grand spiral staircase, historic chapel, and lush gardens. The castle’s stunning views of the Loire River and the surrounding countryside are also not to be missed.
The castle dates back to the 10th century, originally built as a fortress. It was transformed into a Renaissance residence in the late 15th century, giving it a rich, layered history.
Yes, the castle has several on-site restaurants/cafes, where you can enjoy light meals and snacks with views of the gardens. They are accessible only to visitors to the estate.
