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.
Discover the gardens of Chenonceau
Like the castle, powerful women also shaped and designed the Chenonceau gardens. Masterpieces in their own right, the gardens offer beauty, history, and relaxation in equal measures. From riverside terraces to floral displays that change with the seasons, they complete the Chenonceau experience.
Why visit?
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Designed by royal women
Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers left their marks, not just on the castle, but on the landscape itself. Each garden reflects its creator’s taste, ambition, and status—geometric for Diane and elevated and ornamental for Catherine.
Seasonal beauty
The gardens are planted year-round, with seasonal blooms ensuring something is always in bloom—tulips and daffodils in spring, roses in summer, and autumn tones later in the year.
Garden views of the castle
The views from Diane’s Garden and the river-facing lawns are among the most photographed angles of Chenonceau. Seeing the castle mirrored in the Cher River from the gardens is a favored shot by most visitors.
Garden highlights
Diane de Poitiers’ Garden
Catherine de’ Medici’s Garden
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.
The Green Garden
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.
The Flower Garden
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.
The Maze Garden
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.
Plan your visit
Location: Chenonceau Castle, 37150 Chenonceaux, France
Opening hours: Same as the castle, generally 9am–7pm in high season. Refer to the detailed timings guide here.
Ticket: Access to the gardens is included in the entry ticket.
Gardens-only ticket: Unavailable. All tickets include both the castle and gardens.
Estimated time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour for just the gardens; longer if visiting at a relaxed pace.
Best time to visit: Spring and early summer for peak blooms; late afternoon light is best for photos.
Accessibility: Most garden areas are accessible via gravel paths, though the terrain may be uneven in spots.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the Chenonceau gardens
There are five main gardens: Diane de Poitiers’ Garden, Catherine de’ Medici’s Garden, the Green Garden, the Flower Garden, and the Maze Garden, each with its own style and story.
Visit Diane de Poitiers’ Garden and Catherine de’ Medici’s Garden. They’re the closest to the castle, beautifully designed, and packed with history and photo spots.
Expect to see roses, lavender, hibiscus, peonies, dahlias, and seasonal bulbs like tulips and hyacinths. The Flower Garden especially bursts with color from spring to autumn.
Yes, absolutely. Photography is allowed in the gardens, so bring your camera or phone—you’ll find plenty of picture-perfect views.
Our favorite shot: Reflection of the castle in the Cher River—captured from Catherine de Medici’s garden.
Pets are allowed in the gardens if they’re on a leash. However, they can’t enter the castle itself.
Yes, most of the gardens are wheelchair-friendly and have level pathways. There are also accessible restrooms on-site.
Picnicking isn’t allowed inside the main garden areas, but there’s a designated picnic zone near the car park where you can enjoy a packed lunch.
No, the flowers aren’t for sale. But you can enjoy their beauty in the castle’s floral arrangements—crafted fresh from the estate’s gardens.
