Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire — Attraction in Blois

This chateau here is one of the most beautiful in the Loire Valley. Really picture perfect example of a fairytale castle. Easy to access with parking closeby. Public restrooms, restaurants, many exhibitions, a wonderful park with valley views and amazing gardens. Well worth the entrance fee of 20 Euros. There's lots to see and do.

The castle was built as it is today in the late 15th / early 16th Century. But was originally founded in the 10th century. Protected as a monument historique since 1840, the château was given into state ownership in 1938 and is now open to the public. It belonged to the Amboise family for five centuries. Pierre d'Amboise unsuccessfully rebelled against King Louis XI and his property was confiscated, and the castle was dismantled on royal order in 1465. It was later rebuilt by Charles I d'Amboise from 1465 to 1475 and then finished by his son, Charles II d'Amboise de Chaumont.

The chateau itself is such a wonderful sight. And despite many visitors it's easy possible to get some great views and pictures of it. The grounds are very big, so it never feels crowded. It's just a beautiful piece of art and history. Besides the chateau there is a wonderful park area with picnic spots, many options to sit down and rest to enjoy the views of the castle and the valley. Makes a lovely circular walk through the park. Then there are the gardens. An amazing place - with its many paths and ways it feels like a maze at times. Nice to just wander around and to get lost a bit. Wonderful trees, bushes, flowers and more. Some greenhouses as well. It's a lovely place to be and to walk around.

This Chateau and grounds are really impressive. One of the best castle experiences we've had yet. You can spend easily a whole day here. Always something new to explore. And: Dogs are welcome as well here. Our Bulldog enjoyed. And so did we. Highly...

Amazing visit! I went twice in a day to see as much as possible but it was not enough still. 32ha park divided into different areas, with art exhibitions all across: the medieval style castle! Beautiful castle nicely decorated with original furnitures and stunning views of the Loire the village with the different castle’s dependencies including the stables (a must see), the vegetable garden or the tropical greenhouse the historical garden perfect for a long walk with lots of pieces of art the festival garden! Another must see! Small gardens decorated around a specific topic each year. The main topic this year was ‘once upon a time’. Really magical. You can even visit that part at night with lights. enchanting tales walk. A small nice walk in the middle of the forest with fun attractions on the way. Ideal for kids. You can also go and visit a mini waterfall and walk under an old wooden bridge. Goualoup meadow: another very nice walk with small hidden gardens playing with nature and plants...

This is the second time we have visited here. It is one of the prettiest and well maintained out of all the Châteaus in the Loire valley. However since last going there seems to be a lot of changes. They have been very strict around rules, making it at times a little different to relax. We were taking a few moments under a tree with the dog to keep her out of the sun, but were instructed to move to another location, but could not see any reason🤷‍♂️, then wanted to visit the courtyard but was told I couldn't with the dog, but this was clearly not requiring entry into the main building so again could not understand why. Then to leave the courtyard you were forced to go through the shop, again changes. But don't be put off by these rather regimented ruled. It is amazing with loads of small unique gardens, beautiful buildings and large garden. Most are fine for your dog to visit and go early, there is a lot to see and your need the time. Icing on the cake, huge carpark for...