Visiting Chenonceaux
Chenonceaux is a small town in the Indre-et-Loire department, within the Centre-Val-de-Loire region. It is best known as the home of the Château de Chenonceau, one of the most visited sites in the Loire Valley. It is an ideal village for a weekend getaway.
On the water, in the air, or on land
Chenonceaux is a charming town that rewards a slow walk through its medieval streets. History buffs should stop by the église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, built in the 12th century and later renovated in the 16th. The Maison des Pages and the Maison du Garde-Barrière are also worth a look for their Gothic architectural details, which echo the design of the main castle.
If you prefer the outdoors, take advantage of the local landscape. The rivière du Cher offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. You can paddle upstream in a canoe or kayak, or opt for a gabarre, a traditional flat-bottomed boat. Passing underneath the castle arches by boat is a popular way to see the structure from below. To view the Cher valley from the air, you can also book a ride in a hot air balloon, a microlight, or a helicopter.
For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, local trails wind through the surrounding woods and countryside. Cycling is a prime way to explore the region. Make sure to stop at one of the nearby vineyards to sample the local wine, typically paired with a plate of local charcuterie, rillons, or rillettes.
The castle, a local landmark
It is difficult to talk about Chenonceaux without mentioning its castle, which draws over 800,000 visitors annually. It is one of the most significant monuments in the Loire Valley. It is often called the Château des Dames because of the influential women who shaped its history, including Katherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers, and Catherine de Medici. The monument was built between 1513 and 1517 on the foundations of a 12th-century medieval fortress. Its architecture remains impressive, particularly the arches that span the Cher river with ease.
During your tour, you can view rooms decorated with floral arrangements and master paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The two-story gallery commissioned by Catherine de Medici is the castle's most famous feature. Don't overlook the Renaissance gardens, which span 12,000 square meters and are kept in immaculate condition.
Getting there
Chenonceaux is a 40-minute drive from Tours and about 2 hours and 50 minutes from Paris via the A10 motorway. You can also arrive by plane via the Tours airport, then take a regional TER train directly to the Chenonceaux station.
When to go
You can visit Chenonceaux year-round, as the castle remains open every month. However, the warmer months are better suited for long outdoor walks. If you visit in the summer, plan to book your entrance tickets to the Château de Chenonceau in advance.
Chenonceaux is mostly known for its château, which is truly magnificent. I definitely recommend seeing it, as it enjoys a prime location on the Cher river. The village itself is not exceptional. The center is quite small and still has a few restaurants and bakeries. I do not recommend lingering there.