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An open-air museum
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Immerse yourself in the art of gardens
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Pets allowed, except in the chateau
Where art flourishes in the gardens
The Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire
The Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire is a place where contemporary art, lush gardens, and prestigious stables come together in perfect harmony. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley chateaux, it is renowned for its International Garden Festival. Although frequently sold, it has never been abandoned and continually reinvents itself to offer visitors - whether they are enthusiasts of art, heritage, or nature - unforgettable moments of discovery.
A Perfect Balance between History and Contemporary Art
A chateau open to the Loire river
Erected at the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century, the Chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire combines the defensive features of Gothic style with the comfort of a Renaissance chateau.
In 1550, Catherine de Medici became its owner before exchanging it with Diane de Poitiers for the Chateau of Chenonceau. At the end of the 19th century, Prince Henri-Amédée de Broglie transformed the chateau into a lavish venue welcoming royalty from around the world. Its enchanting silhouette and commanding position over the Loire river captivate all visitors, as do its richly furnished rooms and contemporary art exhibitions.
Between Temporary Exhibitions and Permanent Works The 2024 Art Season
A Centre for Arts and Nature
Open from early April to late October
Each year, the contemporary Art Season invites about fifteen artists to showcase their works within the chateau, its outbuildings, and its park. Reflecting the connection between nature and culture, an enduring theme of the Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire as the premier Centre for Arts and Nature, this artistic season transports visitors to the edges of imagination.
The Historical Park
The Historical Park, designed by landscape architect Henri Duchêne between 1884 and 1888, is an exceptional natural treasure. Located near the chateau, it offers numerous shaded pathways perfect for leisurely strolls. Visitors can discover various artistic works as part of the Art Season, harmoniously integrated into the park's landscape.
For the Pleasure of Gardeners...
The International Garden Festival
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Discover by Daylight
The International Garden Festival
Open from April to November
The International Garden Festival at the Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire is a must-see event for gardening enthusiasts. Each year, numerous landscape designers from around the world present around thirty unique creations.
These nature artists unveil their interpretation of the festival's theme, highlighting spaces that nurture, heal, soothe, and rejuvenate.
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...but also by Night with
The Nocturnal Garden Tours
Open in July and August
In July and August, the Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire transforms under the soft light of the moon, offering an enchanting nocturnal experience. The festival gardens become a place where the senses awaken, from sight to hearing, allowing visitors to discover the floral origin of a fragrance, the murmur of water, or the song of an insect in this semi-darkness.
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And to Prolong the Pleasure of the Senses
A Stroll through the Prés du Goualoup
Open from April to November
Following the International Garden Festival, the Prés du Goualoup offers visitors a contemporary 10-hectare park located in the southern part of the estate. This space features around fifteen permanent gardens with varied influences, whether Asian, Mediterranean, or English, inviting everyone to a sensory journey in the heart of the Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Visitors can also explore impressive plant collections, wandering among irises, clematis, and dahlias. Each year, this harmonious ensemble grows and beautifies, with artworks from the Art Season scattered along its paths, adding an artistic dimension to this bucolic stroll.
Did You Know?
The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a "Remarkable Garden"
The "Remarkable Garden" label was created in 2004 to distinguish gardens and parks, whether public or private, that possess cultural, aesthetic, historical, or botanical value. Since 2009, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, with its numerous gardens and landscaped areas, has been honored with this prestigious label.
