Château de Cheverny

The Château de Cheverny is a masterpiece of 17th-century classical French architecture. Unlike many other Loire chateaux, it was built in a remarkably short timeframe, resulting in a rare stylistic consistency. It has remained in the same family, the Huraults, for over six centuries, which explains why its interiors, furniture, and art collections are among the best-preserved in France. The chateau gained worldwide fame as the inspiration for Marlinspike Hall (Château de Moulinsart) in Hergé's 'The Adventures of Tintin' comic series. Fans can visit a permanent interactive exhibition dedicated to the world of Tintin on the grounds. Another popular daily event is the feeding of the estate's pack of over 100 hunting dogs, reflecting the long-standing tradition of 'vénerie' (hunting with hounds) associated with the property. The gardens are equally spectacular, featuring a kitchen garden, an orchard, and an animated tulip garden in the spring. Visitors can also take electric boat or car tours through the extensive wooded park. The interior highlights include magnificent Flemish tapestries and opulent decorations from the Louis XIII era. Spring is the handy time to visit, especially to see the thousands of tulips blooming in the formal gardens.

Nearby cities

Tours

Tours is a historic city on the Loire and a great starting point for the castles of the Loire Valley.

Orléans

Orléans is closely tied to Joan of Arc and is a tradition-rich Loire city with a strong historic core.

Bourges

Bourges is a historic city with a grand Gothic cathedral, half-timbered houses, and a calm cityscape.

Blois

Blois is a Loire city with a castle, narrow streets, and an important role in the history of the French kings.

Châteauroux

Châteauroux is the largest city in the Indre department and a central administrative and commercial hub of the Berry region.

Chartres

Chartres is known for its famous cathedral and its well-preserved historic center on the Eure.

Tours-Sud

Tours-Sud is an area with modern urban infrastructure south of the Loire.

Dreux

A history-steeped city on the edge of Normandy, famous for its Royal Chapel and as the burial place of the House of Orléans.

Vierzon

A historic industrial city in the heart of France, at the confluence of five rivers, known for its agricultural machinery production.

Olivet

An upscale riverside city south of Orléans, renowned for its scenic promenades along the Loiret River and its historic water-front estates.

Fleury-les-Aubrais

A dynamic railway city located north of Orléans in the heart of the Centre-Val de Loire region.

Romorantin-Lanthenay

The capital of the Sologne region, famous for its ties to Leonardo da Vinci and its Matra industrial heritage.

Saint-Jean-de-Braye

A dynamic city on the Loire, known as a hub for the luxury cosmetics industry and a key part of the Orléans metropolitan area.

Vendôme

A historic City of Art and History on the banks of the Loir, famous for its medieval abbey and picturesque canals.

Lucé

A modern neighbor of Chartres, recognized for its extensive sporting facilities and green spaces.