Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
La Maison des Pages
hassomebakeryitems,sandwiches,colddrinkstogo,andjust
enough groceries for a modest picnic (on the main drag between Hostel du Roy and Hôtel
la Roseraie).
You can rent
bikes
at the recommended Relais Chenonceaux hotel(May-Sept daily
9:00-19:00; see “Sleeping in Chenonceaux,” later).
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Château de Chenonceau
Chenonceau is the toast of the Loire. This 16th-century Renaissance palace arches grace-
fully over the Cher River and is impeccably maintained, with fresh flower arrangements
in the summer and roaring log fires in the winter. Chenonceau is one of the most-
visited châteaux in France—so carefully follow my crowd-beating tips (below). Plan on a
15-minute walk from the parking lot to the château. Warning: Don't leave any valuables
visible in your car.
Cost and Hours:
€12.50 includes château and wax museum, kids under 18-€9.50,
dailymid-March-mid-Sept9:00-19:30,July-Auguntil20:00,closesearlieroff-season,last
entry 30 minutes before closing, tel. 02 47 23 90 07,
www.chenonceau.com
.
Chenonceau at Night
(Promenade Nocturne):
On summer nights, floodlights and
periodmusiccreatearomanticafter-dinnercaptoyourLoireday(gardensonly).Juststroll
over whenever and for as long as you like (€5, daily July-Aug 21:30-23:30, Fri-Sun in
June).
Crowd-Beating Tips:
Chenonceau's crowds are worth planning around. This place
gets slammed in high season, when you must come early (by 9:00) or late (after 17:00).
Avoidslowticketlinesbypurchasingyourticketinadvance(atareaTIs)orfromtheticket
machines at the main entry (just follow the prompts; US credit cards work).
Tours:
The interior is fascinating—but only if you take full advantage of the free,
excellent 20-page
booklet
(included with entry), or rent the wonderful
iPod video/audi-
oguide tour
(€4.50; two different versions available—45 or 60 minutes, each with the
same stops; request the unhurried 60-minute version to enjoy full coverage). There's also
an audioguide for kids. Pay for the audioguide when buying your ticket (before entering
the château grounds), then pick up the iPod just inside the château's door. Or, before you
visit, download the tour from
www.chenonceau.com
to your own mobile device (free).
Services:
WCsareavailablebytheticketofficeandbehindthewaxmuseum.There's
a free bag check at the turnstile.
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