Visiting Château de Cheverny
Journey to a Tintin wonderland! Château de Cheverny, inspiration for Captain Haddock's iconic Moulinsart, awaits. Explore its grand rooms, meticulously landscaped gardens, and charming hunting kennels. Perfect for Francophiles, Tintin fans, and anyone seeking a picturesque Loire Valley escape.
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/19/2024
Located in the village of Cheverny, and only 42 kilometers from our rental in Amboise; The current building was constructed between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, however, there had been a house there since at least 1315. The current building represents classical French architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the French aristocracy.
One of the notable features of Château de Cheverny is its exquisite symmetry and harmonious design, characterized by a graceful white stone facade, slate roof, and perfectly manicured gardens. The interior of the château is equally captivating, with well-preserved period furnishings and decor that transport visitors back in time. The rooms provide a sense of the daily life of the nobility, from the grand salon to the impressive dining hall.
In 1922, the owner opened the château to the public, one of the first to do so. The de Vibraye family still operates it, and the Château de Cheverny remains a top tourist attraction to this day, renowned for magnificent interiors and its collection of furniture, tapestries, and objets d'art. A pack of some one hundred and twenty hunting hounds (60 males, 40 females and 20 pups) are kept in kennels within the grounds and are taken out for hunts twice-weekly.
The château is also known for its beautiful park and gardens, featuring geometrically designed flowerbeds, a charming canal, and a lush forested area. Additionally, Cheverny is renowned for its kennels, where a pack of hunting dogs is kept and can be visited by tourists.
More Info for Château de Cheverny
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Château de Cheverny History
The Château boasts a rich history marked by royal connections, architectural elegance, and continuous family stewardship. Unlike many Loire Valley châteaux, it has remained remarkably intact, offering visitors a glimpse into French aristocratic life over the centuries.
- Medieval Beginnings:
The site of Château de Cheverny was originally occupied by a feudal manor during the late Middle Ages. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it was owned by several noble families and served as a fortified residence. However, this medieval structure was eventually replaced to reflect Renaissance aesthetics.
- 16th and 17th Century Transformation:
In 1510, the estate was confiscated by King François I due to the alleged treason of its owner. The property later came into the hands of the Hurault family, an influential lineage of financiers and nobles. Under Henri Hurault, a military leader for King Louis XIII, construction of the current château began in 1624. His wife, Marguerite Gaillard, oversaw much of the design, emphasizing classical symmetry and refinement.
The architecture reflects early French Classical style, with clean lines, balanced proportions, and minimal ornamentation. The construction used Bourré stone, a pale, durable material that resists weathering, helping the château maintain its pristine appearance over the centuries.
- Royal and Historical Connections:
The Hurault family's ties to the French monarchy influenced the château's history. However, during the French Revolution, like many aristocratic estates, Cheverny faced confiscation, though it escaped the destruction that befell many other châteaux. After the revolution, the Hurault family reacquired the property.
- Modern Stewardship:
In the 20th century, Château de Cheverny became one of the first privately owned châteaux to open to the public in 1922. The Hurault family has continuously preserved and maintained the château, showcasing its lavish interiors, antique furnishings, and valuable collections. Unlike many other Loire Valley castles, Cheverny was designed primarily as a residence rather than a fortress or royal palace, giving it a unique warmth and livability.
- Pop Culture Legacy:
Château de Cheverny is famously known for inspiring Marlinspike Hall in Hergé’s Tintin comics. A modified version of the château appears in several Tintin adventures, further cementing its place in cultural history.
Plan Your Visit to Château de Cheverny
Can you day trip to Château de Cheverny from Paris?
Yes, you can get to Château de Cheverny by driving, taking a full day bus tour or taking a train from Paris;
- By Train: From Paris Austerlitz station with a stop at the Blois-Chambord train station - duration 1hour 40minutes.
- By Car: 197 kilometers via the A-10 to D-956 in Saint-Denis-sur-Loire, stay on the D-956 to the chateau.
- By Bus tour:
Either Viator
or Get Your Guide will have bus tours that you can investigate.
- Is there Parking at Château de Cheverny?: Yes, a very large parking just outside of the Château entrance. Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for parking near Château de Cheverny
- Château de Cheverny Entrance Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase at their onsite ticket office. They accept payment in cash, credit card, bank check, holiday voucher and Clarc check. Adult prices currently €14.0 per person.
- Château de Cheverny Website:
- What are the Château de Cheverny Operating Hours?: Currently 10:00AM to 5:00PM, 7 days per week. See their website for more information.
- Nearby Restaurants: Several restaurants can be found in the village of Cheverny. Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for restaurants near Château de Cheverny
- Nearby Accommodations: Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for accommodations near Château de Cheverny
More Info for Château de Cheverny 3D Map
- Wikipedia Article: Click here to view the Wikipedia Article.
- Our Image Gallery: Click here to view our Château de Cheverny Image Gallery.
- Google Image Gallery: Click here to view the Google Images set for Château de Cheverny.
- Château de Cheverny Website: Click here to visit their Website.
- Google Reviews for Château de Cheverny
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