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Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire

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Explore the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Discover its fairytale castle, world-famous International Garden Festival, and stunning contemporary art installations in nature.

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Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire

Explore the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Discover its fairytale castle, world-famous International Garden Festival, and stunning contemporary art installations in nature.

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About Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire

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One of the jewels of the Loire Valley, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is distinguished by its unique identity, blending fairytale-like feudal architecture with a resolutely contemporary artistic program. Historically, the château is famous for having belonged to Catherine de Medici, who exchanged it for Chenonceau with her rival, Diane de Poitiers. Its architecture, marked by heavy circular towers and a drawbridge, retains the appearance of a medieval fortress, while having been extensively embellished during the Renaissance and then in the 19th century by the wealthy owners of the Broglie family. They also had luxurious stables built there, considered at the time to be the most modern in Europe, reflecting the splendor of aristocratic life before the First World War. From a tourism perspective, the estate is now a world-renowned destination thanks to its International Garden Festival, which takes place every year from April to November. This landscape laboratory allows designers from around the world to create ephemeral installations around an environmental or poetic theme, offering a constantly evolving experience within the historic park. In addition to its 32 hectares of greenery, the château houses spectacular contemporary art installations, integrated even into the attics and gardens. This bold blend of classical architectural heritage and avant-garde plant art makes Chaumont a unique destination, attracting history buffs as well as design and nature enthusiasts.

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The Stables were built in 1877 by Paul-Ernest Sanson, architect to the Prince and Princess de Broglie. At the end of the 19th century, they were considered the most luxurious and modern in Europe. The tack room houses sumptuous harnesses, notably those made by Hermès.

6 Key Dates

castle
1465

After its destruction by Louis XI, Pierre d'Amboise revolted against the king, who ordered the castle razed. The estate remained in ashes for several years before being rebuilt by the Amboise family in a more modern style.
castle
1550

Catherine de Medici's acquisition: The queen bought the estate primarily for its strategic importance and its income. She entertained famous astrologers there, including Nostradamus.
castle
1550

The Queen acquires the castle and installs her astrologer Nostradamus to read her sons' futures.
CATHERINE DE MEDICIS
crown
1560

After the death of Henry II, Catherine de Medici forces Diane de Poitiers to exchange Chenonceau for Chaumont.
DIANE DE POITIERS
castle
1938

After the ruin of the Broglie family, the estate was ceded to the French state.
palette
1992

The International Garden Festival was created, transforming the estate into a center for art and nature. Each year, landscape designers from around the world come to create ephemeral gardens around a specific theme.