THE ENCHANTING GARDENS OF THE DOMAIN OF CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE

Perched on a rocky outcrop just 40 metres above the Loire, the Regional Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire welcomes visitors to its château and park all year round. The prestigious Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire once belonged to Queen Catherine de’ Medici, who forced Diane de Poitiers, the former mistress of her husband Henry II, to exchange it for the Château of Chenonceau. Today, the landscape gardens at the foot of the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire continue to delight visitors with their originality and creativity.

THE INTERNATIONAL GARDEN FESTIVAL, A HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR 

THE INTERNATIONAL GARDEN FESTIVAL

Every year, the estate organises the International Garden Festival, held from April to October. Each edition offers a multitude of surprises around a different theme. During the event, around 30 landscape designers, architects and gardeners give free rein to their imagination and inspire that of visitors. The International Garden Festival is family friendly and children will love running between the different sections and exploring these amazing gardens where there is so much to discover! There’s plenty of fun to be had by all!

F. Delong – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Un jardin coloré avec des panneaux de couleurs vives

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Besides the Festival, the estate’s permanent experimental gardens, such as the Valley of Mist, the Kitchen Garden and the Greenhouse Garden, offer plenty to see in every season.

THE GOUALOUP MEADOWS AND THEIR CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE GARDENS 

Bassin avec des batons de couleur rouge plantés debout qui suivent un chemin qui serpente sur l'eau

The Goualoup Meadows are home to gardens inspired by different styles from around the world. Here, the landscape gardeners create ever more imaginative gardens located throughout the domain’s 10 hectares of park. Take time to explore and admire them and let yourself be filled with curiosity and wonder. These works leave nobody indifferent!

The park is an integral part of the regional Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire’s “Arts and Nature Centre”, which is dedicated to the relationships between art and nature. In the château and park, installations by contemporary artists (visual artists, photographers, architects, sculptors, etc) will surprise, delight and move you with their poetic and enchanting air.

C. Mouton – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Allées de couleur rose qui coupent à travers un parc, des sculptures d'arbres de couleur sont fixés en bordure

EVENTS IN THE GARDENS OF THE DOMAIN OF CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE

Want to know when is the best time to visit the gardens of Chaumont sur Loire? The answer is simple: the Domain is open all year round and every season has something different to offer, whether in the park, gardens or château.

In summer, the gardens are lit by eco-friendly LEDs and solar power lighting during late openings, creating a mysterious atmosphere that reveals new and surprising facets of the estate. In autumn, the château and gardens are filled with harvest colours during the Splendours of Autumn festival, when you will see pumpkins, squashes and other gourds during your visit. There’s a whole range of events for every taste and every season!

FAQ

How long does it take to visit the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire?

A complete visit of the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire takes an average of 3 to 4 hours. With the gardens, stables, château and everything else there is to see, we recommend arriving early and spending all day on the estate.

Is there somewhere to have lunch at Chaumont-sur-Loire?

Yes, you can have lunch at the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire. There are several options on the estate, including a cafe and two gastronomic restaurants, “Le Grand Velum” and “Le Grand Chaume”, which serve food made with local seasonal produce and offer stunning views of the grounds. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for the gastronomic restaurants.

Is there a garden shop at the estate?

Yes, the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire has a garden shop selling gardening products, a selection of books including catalogues of previous editions of the International Garden Festival, and other items such as perfumes and essential oils in the “well-being” section. You will be spoilt for choice!

 

How do I book a visit to the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire?

Save time and prepare your visit to the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire by booking your ticket via the link below! 

Book online

Opening hours of the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire

Opening hours from 04 November to 31 December 2024
Monday Open from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
Tuesday Open from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
Wednesday Open from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
Thursday Open from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
Friday Open from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
Saturday Open from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
Sunday Open from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
Closed. Opens at 10h00
Rue des Argillons
41150 CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE
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