Discover the Majestic Chateau de Cheverny, Loire Valley, France

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Loire Valley, just 122 miles from Paris, Château de Cheverny has served as the ancestral home of the Hurault family for centuries. Originally acquired in 1510 by Henri Hurault, Count of Cheverny, the estate has remained in the family’s hands, with only two brief interruptions when it was sold and later repurchased. Unlike many other châteaux in the region, Cheverny is renowned for its opulent interiors—lavishly decorated from floor to ceiling with rich tapestries, period furnishings, historic garments, and a remarkable collection of objets d’art. Spanning a grand 4,450 acres, the estate also features six beautifully curated gardens: the vegetable garden, the apprentice garden, the Tulip Garden (which boasts over 500,000 blooming bulbs), the romantic Garden of Love with its six bronze statues, the Maze, and serene canal and woodland areas. Though still privately owned and inhabited, the château has welcomed visitors since 1914.

The Marquis de Vibraye, a Hurault descendant, lives on the estate with his family. They endeavor to maintain its rich history and traditions in addition to adding their own touches. The marquis and his wife ensure the chateau remains interesting to visitors by changing its look seasonally, Christmas is especially beautiful.

Noteworthy Experiences at The Chateau de Cheverny

The estate is home to over 100 tricolor anglo-french hound dogs, housed in kennels on the property. These dogs are bred on the estate as per tradition and are taken out periodically for hunting. Guests can observe the dogs during their visit. Here’s an old video of the hound feeding posted by Gareth Dafydd Jones.
If you grew up reading Tintin et Milou, as I did, you’ll be fascinated to know that Georges Remi (Hergé) drew inspiration from Cheverny for Moulinsart Castle, featured in the Tintin series. The chateau offers a permanent interactive Tintin exhibit for visitors to explore and enjoy.

We visited Cheverny on March 12th, 2024, on a rainy-day trip from Paris that also included the chateaux of Chambord, and Chenonceau. It was a glorious day spent exploring the enchanting Loire Valley. Although time did not allow a leisurely stroll through the gardens or a visit to the Tintin exhibit, I thoroughly enjoyed our stop at Cheverny. Adult tickets start at 15€, best to visit their web site for up to date information. Note that there is a cafe on-site as well as a gift shop.

Whether you’re captivated by its rich history, enchanting interiors, or unique attractions, the Chateau de Cheverny offers a truly memorable experience for all who visit.

References: Cheverny Web Site, Offbeat France, Wikipedia, Snippets of Paris