Visit the Château de Cheverny
In the heart of the Loire Valley, just 18 kilometres south of Blois, the Château de Cheverny is one of the most elegant and lively of the Loire châteaux. Built between 1624 and 1630, it is one of the rare aristocratic residences to have been inhabited uninterruptedly by the same family for more than six centuries. It is also one of the best furnished châteaux in the region, and the only one to have directly inspired Hergé to create the Château de Moulinsart in the adventures of Tintin. Whether you’re a history buff, a comic book fan, or simply a lover of beautiful gardens, a visit to the Château de Cheverny is an unforgettable experience, not to be missed during your stay in the Centre-Val de Loire.
Also in the Blois guide :
- The most beautiful villages to discover around Blois
- Visit the Châteaux of the Loire
- Visiting Chambord Castle: guide and practical information
- Discover the Château de Villandry and its famous gardens
- The 14 most impressive castles in France
- The most beautiful villages in Pays de la Loire to discover
History and architecture of the Château de Cheverny
The history of Château de Cheverny began in the early 17th century, when Henri Hurault, Count of Cheverny and treasurer to King Louis XIII, decided to build a residence worthy of his rank. Construction was entrusted to the architect Jacques Bougier, who had already worked on part of the Château de Blois. The work lasted from 1624 to 1630, giving rise to a building of perfect symmetry, a precursor of the classicism that would come to the fore under Louis XIV.
What fundamentally sets Cheverny apart from other Loire châteaux is its family continuity. The Hurault de Vibraye family, a family of illustrious financiers and officers, have occupied this estate for over six centuries without interruption. This loyalty has enabled the exceptionally rich period furniture to be preserved intact, earning the château its reputation as the most magnificently furnished residence in the Loire Valley.
In 1922, Cheverny became the first private château in France to open its doors to the public, a visionary initiative that has enabled it to welcome visitors for over a century. Today, the château is still open 365 days a year, including public holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day and1 May.
In terms of architecture, the building features a perfectly symmetrical white tufa facade, flanked by two slate-roofed pavilions. The slightly projecting central body is topped by a domed roof that gives the château an instantly recognisable silhouette. It was precisely this silhouette that Hergé chose in 1943 to design the Château de Moulinsart in his Tintin albums – simply removing the side pavilions to create his famous fictional castle.
1. The château’s flats, jewels of the Grand Siècle
A visit to Château de Cheverny begins with the discovery of its sumptuous interiors, which are undoubtedly the highlight of the entire estate. Unlike so many other Loire châteaux that have been stripped of their contents over the centuries, Cheverny has retained almost all its original furnishings, giving it a unique atmosphere of authenticity and life.
From the very first rooms, visitors are struck by the richness of the decor: painted coffered ceilings, remarkably fine Flemish tapestries, paintings by 17th-century masters, delicately carved woodwork and precious objects arranged with great taste. Each room tells a slice of the Hurault story, from their social rise under the kings of France to their visceral attachment to this family estate.
One of the most remarkable rooms is the dining room. It is decorated with 34 panels painted by Jean Monier in the 17th century, depicting the peregrinations of Don Quixote. This pictorial ensemble, unique in France for its state of preservation, illuminates the room with its vivid colours and romantic narrative. The Grand Salon is impressive for its size and the exceptional quality of its Louis XIV furnishings. The King’s bedroom, preserved in all its splendour, bears witness to Cheverny’s position at the French court.
Visits to the flats last on average between 30 minutes (quick tour) and 1 hour 45 minutes including the gardens, and can be undertaken independently thanks to the explanatory panels. A guided tour is also available on certain days at 9.30 am (April to October), by prior arrangement, at an additional cost of €5 per person.
2. The “Secrets of Moulinsart” exhibition, Tintin’s castle
One of the great assets of the Château de Cheverny, which sets it apart from all the other châteaux in the Loire Valley, is its close link with the world of Tintin. In 1943, Hergé was looking for an architectural model to design the Château de Moulinsart, the emblematic residence of Captain Haddock in his adventures. He took his inspiration directly from the central façade of the Château de Cheverny, whose symmetry and classical elegance matched perfectly with his idea of an aristocratic French residence.
Since 2001, the château has been home to the permanent exhibition “The Secrets of Moulinsart”, a 700 m² immersive tour that plunges visitors into the world of Tintin, Captain Haddock, Professor Tournesol and their companions. Visitors will discover original documents, reconstructions of mythical scenes, emblematic objects from the albums and panels highlighting the visual links between Cheverny and Moulinsart.
The exhibition is accessible with a combined ticket (€20.50 adult / €16 concessions), and takes an additional 45 minutes to visit. It will appeal to both nostalgic adults and children discovering the world of Tintin for the first time. Rated 4.4/5 on Google Maps for 509 reviews, Les Secrets de Moulinsart (Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 509 reviews) is the most popular exhibition on the estate.
3. The park and its six themed gardens
The Cheverny estate is more than just the interior of the château: its vast park and six themed gardens are an invitation to stroll in an exceptional natural setting. Since the 19th century, the park has been carefully laid out to offer a succession of plant atmospheres that change with the seasons.
The walk generally begins along the main façade, which opens onto a large lawn bordered by an avenue of 157 hundred-year-old cedars. These majestic trees, planted in the 19th century, frame the view of the château with remarkable solemnity. Further on, bald cypresses and giant sequoias testify to the botanical ambitions of the owners.
The six themed gardens each offer a different experience. The vegetable garden, carefully tended using traditional techniques, produces fruit and vegetables that are sometimes used in the estate’s catering. The tulip garden, splendid in spring, displays a veritable string of colours. The apprentice garden is constantly evolving, with new creations. As for the labyrinth, planted with Caucasian laurels, it’s a fun challenge for young and old alike, and a must-see for families visiting Château de Cheverny.
From April to mid-November, it is also possible to discover the forest park by boat and electric buggy, as part of a special package (included in the full visit ticket at €26 for adults). This additional 1-hour ride takes you through the wooded paths and ponds of the estate, for a moment of timeless relaxation.
4. The kennel and the pack of hounds
One of the most unusual sights at the Château de Cheverny is undoubtedly its kennels, occupied by a pack of around a hundred tricoloured Anglo-French dogs. This breed, a cross between the English Fox Hound and the French Poitevin, is specially bred for hunting at hounds in Sologne, a noble tradition that is still carried on today by the Hurault de Vibraye family.
The kennels are open to visitors all day long (except Saturdays), and watching the pack in their pens is a breathtaking sight. But the most eagerly awaited event is undoubtedly the pack’s meal, which takes place every day in summer at 11.30am: the picker throws the pittance to the hundred or so hungry dogs, who pounce on it in a cacophony of growls and barks. This moment of canine frenzy, both funny and impressive, is one of the most photographed spectacles on the estate.
Please note that pets are not allowed on the estate, for obvious safety reasons. Please make arrangements before your arrival.
5. The Orangery and catering on the estate
The Orangerie at Château de Cheverny, built in the 18th century, is one of the most charming buildings on the estate. With its large bay windows opening onto the park, it was long reserved for relaxation and family receptions. Today, after careful restoration, it houses a restaurant open to visitors (especially during the holiday season), where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or snack.
The Orangerie at Château de Cheverny (32 Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, rated 3.8/5 on Google out of 939 reviews) is open from 11am to 6.30pm depending on the season. If you’re planning a visit during the school holidays, this is the ideal place to take a break in the heart of the park and enjoy a breathtaking view of the château’s facade.
Picnic areas are also available in the park for those who prefer to bring their own lunch. A château shop and a Tintin shop offer souvenirs, decorative items and publications related to the world of comic strips.
6. Family activities at Château de Cheverny
Château de Cheverny has clearly made welcoming families one of its priorities. In addition to the labyrinth and the Tintin exhibition, which are sure to delight children, the estate offers a number of activities specifically designed for younger visitors.
The “Le trésor du Marquis” treasure hunt is designed for children aged 6 to 12: armed with a booklet, they set off to discover the estate by solving riddles that take them from room to room and garden to garden. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the Château de Cheverny.
Even more innovative, the digital treasure hunt “The Cryptors” uses artificial intelligence technology to allow visitors to chat with historical figures via their smartphone. It’s an original concept that combines heritage and modernity, and appeals to children and adults alike.
When the weather is fine, the boat and electric buggy rides through the forest park are a firm favourite with families. It’s a chance to discover the most secret corners of the estate in a relaxed, bucolic atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the exhibition halls. In season, pony rides are also available for the little ones on the outskirts of the park.
Prices and opening times for visits to Château de Cheverny
Château de Cheverny(Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 21,957 reviews) is open 365 days a year, without exception, including 25 December,1 January and1 May. Tickets are sold on site only, without prior online reservation. Parking is free of charge.
Opening hours
Opening times vary according to the season: 10am to 5pm from January to March and October to December; 9.15am to 6pm in April-June and September; 9.15am to 6.30pm in July and August. The Secrets of Moulinsart exhibition has a lunch break (closes between 12.45pm and 1.45pm).
Price list
Four visit options are available, allowing visitors to tailor their visit to suit their tastes and budget. The Château and Gardens package costs €15.50 (adults) / €11.50 (concessions) / free for under-7s, and lasts between 1hr30 and 1hr45. If you add the Tintin exhibition, the ticket price rises to €20.50 / €16 (duration 2hrs 15mins to 2hrs 30mins). A tour of the park by boat and buggy costs €21 / €16.50, with €4 for children aged 7 to 14. Finally, the complete visit (castle + gardens + Tintin + park) costs €26 / €21 (€4 for children), for a total duration of 3 to 4 hours.
Reduced admission applies to large families, children aged 7 to 14, secondary school pupils, students under 25 and jobseekers (with proof). Admission is free for disabled visitors. Guided tours are available on certain days at 9.30 am (from April to October) for a supplement of €5 per person, by prior arrangement.
How do I get to Château de Cheverny?
Château de Cheverny is ideally located 18 km south of Blois, about 20 minutes’ drive via the D956. From Paris, allow around 2 hours’ drive on the A10 to Blois, then follow the departmental roads to Cheverny. It is also 15 km from the Château of Chambord and 50 km from the Château of Chenonceau, making it a natural stop-off on a tour of the châteaux of the Loire Valley.
By train, the nearest station is Blois-Chambord, with services from Paris-Austerlitz and Tours. From the station, there are regular bus services (routes 2 and 12 from Blois bus station) to the Cheverny stop. In high season, tourist shuttles run between Blois and the main surrounding châteaux, including Cheverny. You can also cycle from Blois to Cheverny along the signposted cycle paths, for an 18 km ride through the Sologne.
What to do around Château de Cheverny
A visit to the Château de Cheverny is a natural part of a wider tour of the châteaux of the Loire Valley. Just 15 km away, the Château de Chambord is the absolute must-see in the region: with its 440 rooms and famous double-revolution staircase, its monumental dimensions are truly fascinating. Just 18 km away, Blois is also well worth a visit: the town boasts an exceptional heritage, with its royal castle with four architectural wings, its Saint-Louis cathedral, its medieval streets and its Maison de la Magie. Take advantage of your stay to visit Blois and let yourself be guided through its rich history.
Further afield, the Château de Chenonceau (50 km away), nicknamed the “Château des Dames” for its elegant galleries spanning the Cher river, and the Château de Villandry, famous for its geometrically perfect terraced gardens, are ideal complements to your stay in the Loire Valley. The region also abounds in smaller, more confidential châteaux, such as Beauregard and Fougères-sur-Bièvre, which will delight lovers of authentic, unspoilt heritage.
If you’d like to explore the surrounding area in more depth, the Navaway app offers an audio-guided tour of Blois on foot and on your own, allowing you to wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre of the Loire capital with all the anecdotes and history of the city in your ears.
Download the audio tour to discover Blois on foot and on your own
Navaway offers an audio-guided itinerary to visit Blois in 1 day, on foot and in total autonomy. In 4 km and 1h45 of walking, you’ll discover 22 of the town’s must-see places of interest: the Jacques Gabriel Bridge, the Royal Château of Blois, Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Maison des Acrobates, the Bishop’s Gardens and many more. Each point of interest is accompanied by an entertaining audio commentary, full of historical anecdotes and architectural details. Ideal before or after your visit to the Château de Cheverny, to make the most of your stay in the Loire Valley.
In conclusion, a visit to the Château de Cheverny is much more than a simple stroll through a historic château. It’s a plunge into six centuries of the French art of living, with sumptuously furnished interiors, enchanting gardens, an immersive Tintin exhibition and the unique spectacle of the pack dinner. This living, breathing estate, open 365 days a year, will appeal to families, history buffs and nature lovers alike. And if you want to extend the adventure, the Navaway route from Blois awaits you just a few kilometres away, for an equally memorable discovery of the capital of the Loire Valley at your own pace.
FAQ – Visiting the Château de Cheverny
Is Château de Cheverny open all year round?
Yes, Château de Cheverny is open 365 days a year, including public holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day and1st May. Opening times vary according to the season: from 10am to 5pm in low season (January-March and October-December), and from 9.15am to 6pm or 6.30pm in high season.
Can I buy tickets for the Château de Cheverny online?
No, tickets for the Château de Cheverny can only be purchased on site, at the estate’s ticket office. There are no online reservations and no queues outside peak season weekends and school holidays.
How long does it take to visit Château de Cheverny?
Allow between 1hr30 and 1hr45 for a tour of the château and gardens, 2hr15 to 2hr30 if you include the Tintin exhibition, and up to 3hrs to 4hrs for a full tour including a trip around the park in a boat and electric buggies (available from April to mid-November).
Is Château de Cheverny accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the Château de Cheverny has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an adapted car park. People with a disability card are admitted free of charge. The accompanying person pays the normal rate.
Can I bring my pets to Château de Cheverny?
No, pets are not allowed on the Château de Cheverny estate, particularly as there is a pack of hunting dogs in the kennels.
When is the best time to visit Château de Cheverny?
The ideal time to visit Château de Cheverny is in spring (April-June), when the gardens are in bloom and the tulips form a spectacular string of colours. To avoid the crowds, choose weekday mornings. Weekends and school holidays, particularly in July and August, are the busiest times.
Is it possible to combine a visit to Cheverny with other châteaux on the same day?
Yes, that’s right. Chambord castle is 15 km away, and the royal castle of Blois is 18 km away. If you leave early in the morning, it’s perfectly possible to combine a visit to Château de Cheverny with a visit to Chambord or Blois in the same day, especially as the Cheverny car park is free and queues are generally short outside weekends.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
Download
