Watch a light show in the extraordinary gardens. Enter the huge château to see its artworks and learn about its medieval past.
The quaint commune of Chaumont-sur-Loire is famous for its defensive walls and large Gothic castle. The Château de Chaumont is a wonderful structure. Its grounds are part of the annual International Garden Festival. See the scenic village itself on a wide part of the Loire River with a row of shops and the castle on the southern bank.
The castle and its towers are the highlight. Bulbous domes rise from the roof. Enter the structure to see acclaimed works in the Stables Indoor Ring and the Fenil Gallery. Tour the various chambers using a brochure explaining the château’s rich history and former noble inhabitants.
Explore the many gardens beside the castle, ranging from futuristic to bizarre designs. Sit with a picnic near the lake and admire the intriguing colors and artistic features of the trees and plants.
The “Gardens of Light” event takes place during summer evenings, marrying the artistry of the park layout with a mesmerizing light show. Attend the “Magical Nights” ceremony consisting of more than 2,500 candles inside the castle on summer Friday nights.
Cross the river for a view of the castle on a hill overlooking the charming boutiques and restaurants of the village. Capture photos of the château with the river in the foreground.
Stroll along the banks and stop for a break with picturesque rural views. Stay the night in a traditional wooden boat cabin on the water. A little to the west along the river is the Château Royal d’Amboise.
The region has a pleasant climate typical of central France, with warm summers and cold winters. Fly to Paris and rent a car for a 2-hour drive south to the village. It stands on the banks of the Loire River in the Loir-et-Cher province. The city of Blois is 11 miles (18 kilometers) northeast.
Chaumont-sur-Loire is an outdoor treat, with enchanting stores and houses beneath an extraordinary castle and world-class gardens.
