Château de Chaumont

Chaumont-sur-Loire watches the river from a bluff between Blois and Amboise, a turreted fifteenth-century castle with a famous grudge in its deed history: after Henri II died in 1559, Catherine de’ Medici forced his mistress Diane de Poitiers to hand over Chenonceau and take Chaumont in exchange, a plain downgrade Diane barely used.

The Garden Festival

Chaumont’s modern fame is the International Garden Festival, held on the grounds every year from spring to early November: two dozen competition gardens built to a new theme each season, the leading event of its kind in Europe. The festival, the château, the stables, and the art installations in the park make Chaumont a full-day estate rather than a quick castle stop.

Visiting

The estate opens year-round, with festival season, roughly late April to early November, the time to come; hours, prices, and the current theme are at domaine-chaumont.fr. The climb from the village to the gate is short and steep, and the view down the Loire from the terraces is among the valley’s best.

Chaumont sits midway between Blois and Amboise on the river road; the top ten castles page places it in a valley itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chaumont garden festival?
The International Garden Festival, staged annually on the estate from spring to early November: around two dozen themed competition gardens by designers from around the world, Europe’s leading event of its kind.

Why did Diane de Poitiers own Chaumont?
She had no choice: after Henri II’s death in 1559, Catherine de’ Medici forced her to trade Chenonceau for Chaumont. Diane kept her distance and lived mostly at Anet.

When should you visit Chaumont?
During festival season, late April to early November, when the gardens, the château, and the park installations run together. Allow at least a half day.