Visiting Chaumont-sur-Loire
Explore history, art, and stunning gardens! Discover Chaumont-sur-Loire: a captivating castle with a dramatic past, now a vibrant center for the International Garden Festival. Wander innovative gardens, delve into French history, and witness the Loire's beauty. Unforgettable experiences await!
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 4/27/2024
We were staying in Amboise (35 kilometers southwest of the Château) and so we drove the D-751 to reach the village. As we were not aware of where parking was located, we wound up
parking in the village (on the D-751 AKA Rue Maréchal de Lattre) and then hiked up a steep street (Rpe du Château) to reach the Château area. We then discovered that
they had a nice restaurant with seating in a tree covered garden, so we ate lunch there before exploring the Château and the grounds. We also discovered that there was
a large parking lot at the top of the hill that we could have parked at, but there had been no signs on the D-751 (that we saw) indicating their existance.
The Château is a stunning example of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Originally constructed in the 10th century as a fortress, it underwent significant transformations over the centuries. The castle boasts a dramatic location perched on a hill overlooking the Loire River, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The village itself exudes a peaceful and quaint ambiance, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and riverside promenades. Chaumont-sur-Loire is a true gem in the Loire Valley, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and artistic inspiration that continues to enchant travelers seeking a taste of authentic French culture and heritage.
Surrounded by vineyards and the natural beauty of the Loire River, Chaumont-sur-Loire offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking along the riverbanks. The decision to visit Chaumont-sur-Loire depends on your individual preferences and travel goals. However, if you're looking for a charming village with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and a unique artistic experience, then this hidden gem in the Loire Valley might be the perfect addition to your French adventure.
Some History of Chaumont-sur-Loire
The history of this chateau begins in the 10th century with a strategic necessity. Odo I, Count of Blois, fearing raids from his rival Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou, ordered the construction of a fortress on a strategic hill overlooking the river. This early incarnation, aptly named "Chauve Mont" or "Bald Mount" for its lack of trees, marked the beginning of Chaumont's legacy.
The fortress changed hands several times in the following centuries. From the Norman knight Gelduin to the powerful Amboise family, Chaumont served as a symbol of power and control. In the 15th century, however, the tide turned. Caught in a rebellion against King Louis XI, Pierre d'Amboise faced the wrath of the crown. As punishment, Louis XI ordered the complete destruction of Chaumont, leaving it a smoldering ruin.
Undeterred, the Amboise family rebuilt Chaumont in the late 15th century. This reconstruction, while incorporating some defensive elements, signaled a shift towards a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing residence. However, the Amboise family's reign over Chaumont wouldn't last forever.
The 18th century brought new ownership and significant changes. The Bertin family, the new chatelains, demolished a wing of the castle to improve their view of the Loire. This act, though seemingly drastic, hinted at a growing appreciation for the castle's setting and its potential beyond a purely defensive structure.
The 19th century marked a true renaissance for Chaumont. Enter Prince Henri Amédée de Broglie, a man with a vision. He embarked on a comprehensive restoration project, not just of the castle itself, but also of the surrounding grounds. Inspired by the English landscape style, he transformed the once-fortified grounds into a picturesque park, complete with sweeping lawns, meticulously placed trees, and even relocated a cemetery to create a more harmonious landscape.
The International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire
The International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire is an annual event that transforms the chateau's historic grounds into a vibrant laboratory of contemporary garden design. Since 1992, it has become a celebrated platform for landscape architects, designers, and artists to showcase their creativity and push the boundaries of garden design.
Each year, the festival revolves around a central theme, inspiring participants to craft unique garden installations. These gardens are not merely displays of colorful flora; they are living expressions that explore social issues, environmental concerns, and innovative uses of plants and materials. Visitors can wander through gardens that resemble miniature ecosystems, explore intricate sculptures woven from plant life, or ponder thought-provoking installations that blur the lines between nature and art.
Plan Your Visit to Chaumont-sur-Loire
- How to get to Chaumont-sur-Loire?
Due to the distance from Paris (203 kilometers) and more so because the chateau is somewhat off the beaten track, your options are to drive, search for a bus tour or take a train;
By Train: The Onzain - Chaumont-sur-Loire station (located located across the river from the chateau) is the nearest train station, trains run every day of the week. Travel time from Paris-Austerlitz is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, and from Tours the train ride is approximately 20 minutes. NOTE: The train station is a 1.5 mile walk to the chateau, so you may want to consider taking a taxi.
By Car: Follow A-10 to D-956 in Saint-Denis-sur-Loire. Take exit 17 from A-10 towards Blois/Vendôme which is D-956, continue on D-956. Take D-951, Levée de la Loire/D751 and D173 to D751 in Chaumont-sur-Loire. At this point, you should refer to this Google Map of the route, as the number of turns and roundabouts makes it a little more complicated. There is a free parking lot on the chateau site.
By Bus tour: Either Viator
or Get Your Guide may have bus tours that you can investigate. Get Your Guide does list some tours of the Loire Valley that include Chaumont-sur-Loire.
- Parking: Parking is located adjacent to the Château entrance, not in the village. Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for parking near Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Chaumont-sur-Loire Entrance Tickets: Entrance tickets are available for purchase online here. Tickets can also be purchased at the entrance office. There are seasonal variations in price, see their website for more information.
- Operating Hours: 10:00AM to 7:00PM, 7 days per week. High season adult price is currently 20€ per person, prices vary based upon the time of year, see their website for additional information.
- Nearby Restaurants: There is a good buffet style eatery just inside the entrance gate of the Château. Here is a link to a Google Search Results Page for restaurants near Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Nearby Accomodations: Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for accommodations near Chaumont-sur-Loire site.
More Info for Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Wikipedia Article: Click here to view the Wikipedia Article.
- Our Image Gallery: Click here to view our Chaumont-sur-Loire Image Gallery.
- Google Image Gallery: Click here to view the Google Images set for Chaumont-sur-Loire.
- Chaumont-sur-Loire Website: Click here to visit the Chaumont-sur-Loire Website.
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