by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 5/17/2025
We were staying in Amboise (17 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.
Google Maps Route: As you near Chaumont-sur-Loire on route D-751, the road becomes slightly more winding. Signs for the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and its renowned International Garden Festival will guide you toward the destination. It would appear that we drove past the sign!
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.
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire Interior
Exploring Chaumont-sur-LoireExploring Chaumont-sur-Loire
Exploring Chaumont-sur-Loire InteriorThe 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 of Chaumont-sur-Loire is a renowned annual event that transforms the historic Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and its sprawling grounds into a dynamic exhibition of contemporary garden design. Since its inception in 1992, the festival has evolved into a prestigious showcase for landscape architects, designers, and artists from around the world, offering them a platform to push the boundaries of horticulture, ecology, and artistic expression. Set against the backdrop of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the festival is a celebration of creativity and innovation, drawing thousands of visitors each year who come to experience the intersection of nature, culture, and design.
Each year, the festival is centered around a carefully curated theme, challenging participants to craft immersive, thought-provoking garden installations that go beyond mere aesthetics. These gardens are not just displays of lush flora and striking landscapes; they serve as living narratives, addressing social issues, environmental concerns, and experimental techniques in planting and material use. Visitors can wander through miniature ecosystems, discover sustainably designed landscapes, and admire sculptural creations interwoven with living plants, all while engaging with gardens that blur the lines between art, architecture, and nature. Some installations evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony, while others challenge perceptions with bold, avant-garde concepts that question our relationship with the natural world.
Beyond the gardens themselves, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire offers a rich cultural experience, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and conferences that explore the future of landscape design and ecological stewardship. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of innovative outdoor spaces, the International Garden Festival provides a captivating journey through the evolving landscape of contemporary horticulture.
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.
As of 9/7/2024 Google says there are 115 hotels near Chaumont-sur-Loire and if you are so inclined, you could search through the Google Search Results list here. The following accommodations are based upon "guest rating";
The first column below ("All Trip Destinations") lists all of our major trip destinations (for this trip) and the next four columns list each of our trip "basecamps" and then a list of what we explored from that basecamp. Each destination name is linked to it's page - so all you need to do is click that name.
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