Discover the gardens of Chenonceau

Spanning 12,000 square meters, this Renaissance garden was commissioned by Diane de Poitiers, King Henry II's mistress. Its design features two perpendicular and two diagonal paths forming eight large triangles of lawn, adorned with curving scrolls of santolina shrubs. A central fountain, restored to its original state, serves as the garden's focal point. Raised terraces protect the garden from the Cher River's floods, offering views of meticulously maintained yew, boxwood, and laurustinus bushes. In summer, over a hundred hibiscus plants bloom, adding vibrant color to the structured layout.

This 5,500 square meter garden reflects the queen’s passion for Italian-inspired design. It comprises five lawn panels arranged around an elegant circular basin, punctuated with globes of boxwood. Tall rose bushes and lavender, trimmed into low, rounded forms, create harmonious patterns. The garden offers magnificent views of the castle’s west façade and connects to the Green Garden and Orangerie, areas originally designed by Bernard Palissy, a well-known French ceramist.

Designed in 1825 by Lord Seymour for the Countess of Villeneuve, this English-style park provides a serene contrast to the formal French gardens. The enclosed garden is shaded by a collection of centuries-old trees, including plane trees, Atlas cedars, a Spanish fir, catalpa, chestnut, Douglas fir, redwoods, locust, black walnut, and a splendid green oak. From the Orangerie, visitors can enjoy views across the Green Garden to the castle’s profile. In the 16th century, Catherine de’ Medici chose this location for her menagerie and aviaries.

This vibrant garden is organized into twelve squares bordered by apple trees and Queen Elisabeth rose bushes, covering more than a hectare. Estate gardeners cultivate around one hundred varieties of cutting flowers here, including roses, peonies, and dahlias, which are used for the castle’s floral arrangements. Two old greenhouses support the cultivation of bulbs like hyacinth, amaryllis, narcissus, and tulip, as well as the planting of seedlings.

Located in a clearing within the 70-hectare park, this Italian-style labyrinth was created at the behest of Catherine de’ Medici. It is planted with 2,000 yew trees and covers more than a hectare. At its center stands a raised gazebo, offering an elevated view over the entire maze.