Château de Chaumont — Attraction in Blois

While the setting of the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is undeniably picturesque, the overall experience was disappointing—primarily due to the steep admission price (€21/person), which surpasses that of more historically rich sites such as Château de Chenonceau or Chambord.

Unlike traditional château visits that focus on architecture, heritage, and the stories that shaped these landmarks, Chaumont-sur-Loire prioritizes its role as a centre for contemporary art installations. Visitors expecting a classic historical experience may feel somewhat misled or, at the very least, underwhelmed.

There are a few impressive rooms, but the château itself is largely overshadowed by the sheer volume of modern art displayed throughout. Nearly every space is dominated by contemporary exhibits, which detracts from the historical character of the site. While there is nothing inherently wrong with modern art, the experience feels more like a curated gallery than a journey through French history.

Ultimately, the issue is less about the presence of art and more about the lack of balance. At this price point, visitors should not feel obligated to engage primarily with temporary installations when the château’s own heritage is what draws most guests in the first place. The artistic focus is overwhelming to the point of being imposing—c’imposant, indeed.

Unless you have a particular interest in contemporary art, you may find the experience underwhelming and misaligned with expectations for a château visit in the...

Avoid at all costs should be enough for my experience but I will elaborate...coming near the entrance, I was asked to pass a security check due to my backpack. This was the 7th Chateau in the Loire valley we went in the last 4 days and the first time there was a security check. Apparently the management here cares about our security right? Then you go to the ticket office and they have higher price for the "high season". 20 euros where all the other chateau have 15,50 euros maximum. Then you realise as you walk around that the higher ticket pays the salaries of the countless employees around like you are in the a state museum in a communist country. And the worse thing of all is that all you get is contemporary "art" which has nothing to do with the traditional Chateau atmosphere..even all the rooms in the castle are filled with nonsense. Maybe they have little actual furnitures and paintings to show from the glory days? However an employee verified that they change this "art" every season but always remain contemporary. I guess the management of this chateau is a big fan of this movement. A big disgrace and what a waste of time. If you want to see real Chateaux, just go to Azay-le-Rideu...

When visiting the chateau be aware that in these covid times you will be in a one-way system around the different parts of the chateau and it's grounds... Most people will start off with the stables and then the main chateau. Here you will first be accosted by contemporary art, some of which deserves some time to be appreciated. Don't miss the older tapestries in the chateau with many scenes from ancient Greece. Shame there is very little explanation. Into the formal gardens east of the chateau and, where there aren't small fences to stop you, I suggest you leave the paths and cut across the grass. Feel free to admire the modern sculptures if that is your thing but I'm not one of those people who are too afraid to say I found most of them pretty random. Good views over the river and nice ground for le picnic can be found above the path from the northeast gate. The third and usually final part of a visit are the garden festival contemporary gardens laid out to the west of the chateau. Unfortunately these are showing their age with some quite slimy water features in the plots not made out of metal and plastic. If you are tight on time I would give these...