Description: This French Renaissance chateau is the most visited chateau in France after Versailles. It is often called ‘le Château des Dames’ because of the association with many of France’s famous ladies! It is particularly beautiful due to its setting and design over the Cher river. During the Second World war its unique setting meant you could enter one side from unoccupied France and the other from occupied France depending on which side of the river you were on! Both the chateau and the grounds are immaculately maintained with lots of furnished rooms to look at in the chateau and vast gardens to walk around.

Location: On D40, 30km E of Tours (North side of River Cher).

General Info*: Open all year. Prices start from €11.50 for adults and €8.50 for 7-15 year olds. Additional charges apply for extra attractions.

*Dates and prices are for guidance only, please visit the official website for exact details

Website: http://www.chenonceau.com/

Our recommendation: Expensive, so plan a whole day here – there’s plenty to do. Look out for the summer Son et Lumière spectacle and the “night walks” when the garden paths are lit with lights.

For the children: There is an iPod audio tour available for use by 7-12 year olds as they tour the chateau, helping to make what might be a rather ‘dry’ visit a bit more interesting. There is also a childrens’ play area for younger children, a maze, a 16th century farm and the opportunity to go boating on the River Cher as a family.

 

Here’s more information to make the most of your visit to the Loire Valley: