Créé par Emilie, le 5 juil. 2026
Votre guide Ryo
Visit Château de Cheverny
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In the heart of the Loire Valley, just 18 kilometers south of Blois, Château de Cheverny stands as one of the most elegant and vibrant jewels of the Loire châteaux. Built between 1624 and 1630, it is one of the rare aristocratic residences to have been inhabited without interruption by the same family for over six centuries. It is also one of the best-furnished châteaux in the region, and the only one to have directly inspired Hergé in creating Marlinspike Hall in Tintin's adventures. Whether you're passionate about history, a comic book fan, or simply love beautiful gardens, visiting Château de Cheverny is an unforgettable experience not to be missed during your stay in Centre-Val de Loire.
History and architecture of Château de Cheverny
The history of Château de Cheverny begins at the early 17th century, when Henri Hurault, Count of Cheverny and treasurer to King Louis XIII, decided to build a residence worthy of his rank. The construction was entrusted to architect Jacques Bougier, who had already worked on part of the Château de Blois. The work extended from 1624 to 1630, giving birth to a building of perfect symmetry, precursor to the classicism that would establish itself under Louis XIV.
What fundamentally distinguishes Cheverny from other Loire châteaux is its family continuity. The Hurault de Vibraye family, consisting of financiers and illustrious officers, have occupied this estate for over six centuries without interruption. This faithfulness has preserved intact period furniture of exceptional richness, which gives the château its reputation as the most magnificently furnished residence in the Loire Valley.
In 1922, Cheverny became the first private château in France to open its doors to the public, a visionary initiative that has allowed it to welcome visitors for over a century. Even today, the château is open 365 days a year, including holidays like Christmas, New Year's Day and May 1st.
Architecturally, the building is characterized by a perfectly symmetrical white tuffeau façade, flanked by two pavilions covered with slate. The central body, slightly projecting, is topped with a dome roof that gives the château an immediately recognizable silhouette. It was precisely this silhouette that Hergé chose in 1943 to draw Marlinspike Hall in his Tintin albums — simply removing the lateral pavilions to obtain his famous fictional château.
1. The château apartments, jewels of the Grand Siècle
The visit to Château de Cheverny begins with the discovery of its sumptuous interiors, which undoubtedly constitute the highlight of the entire estate. Unlike so many other Loire châteaux emptied of their contents over the centuries, Cheverny has preserved almost all of its original furniture, giving it a unique atmosphere of authenticity and life.
From the first rooms, visitors are struck by the richness of the décor: painted coffered ceilings, Flemish tapestries of remarkable finesse, 17th-century master paintings, delicately sculpted woodwork and precious objects arranged with sure taste. Each room tells a slice of the Hurault family's history, from their social ascension under the Kings of France to their visceral attachment to this family estate.
Among the most remarkable rooms, the dining room particularly catches attention. It is adorned with 34 panels painted by Jean Monier in the 17th century, depicting the wanderings of Don Quixote. This pictorial ensemble, unique in France for its state of conservation, illuminates the room with its vivid colors and romantic narration. The Grand Salon impresses with its dimensions and the exceptional quality of its Louis XIV furnishings. The King's chamber, preserved in all its splendor, testifies to the rank that Cheverny occupied at the French court.
The apartment visit lasts on average between 30 minutes (quick visit) and 1h45 with the gardens, and can be done independently thanks to explanatory panels. A guided tour is also offered certain days at 9:30 AM (from April to October), by reservation, with a supplement of €5 per person.
2. The "Secrets of Marlinspike" exhibition, Tintin's château
One of the great assets of Château de Cheverny, which distinguishes it from all other Loire châteaux, is its intimate connection with Tintin's universe. In 1943, Hergé was looking for an architectural model to draw Marlinspike Hall, the emblematic residence of Captain Haddock in his adventures. He was directly inspired by the central façade of Château de Cheverny, whose symmetry and classical elegance perfectly corresponded to his idea of a French aristocratic residence.
Since 2001, the château has hosted the permanent exhibition "The Secrets of Marlinspike", an immersive 700 m² journey that plunges visitors into the world of Tintin, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and their companions. You'll discover original documents, reconstructions of mythical scenes, emblematic objects from the albums, and panels that highlight the visual correspondences between Cheverny and Marlinspike.
The exhibition is accessible with a combined ticket (€20.50 adult / €16 reduced rate), and its visit lasts about 45 additional minutes. It appeals to both nostalgic adults and children discovering Tintin's universe for the first time. Rated 4.4/5 on Google Maps for 509 reviews, The Secrets of Marlinspike (Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 509 reviews) is the most popular exhibition on the estate.
3. The park and six themed gardens
The Cheverny estate is not limited to the château's interiors alone: its vast park and six themed gardens constitute an invitation to stroll in an exceptional natural setting. Since the 19th century, the park has been carefully designed to offer a succession of plant atmospheres that change with the seasons.
The walk generally begins along the main façade, which opens onto a large lawn bordered by an avenue of 157 century-old cedars. These majestic trees, planted in the 19th century, frame the view of the château with remarkable solemnity. Further on, you'll discover bald cypresses and giant sequoias that testify to the botanical ambition of the owners.
The six themed gardens each offer a different experience. The vegetable garden, carefully maintained according to traditional techniques, produces fruits and vegetables that sometimes supply the estate's catering. The tulip garden, splendid in spring, displays a true ribbon of colors. The apprentice garden constantly evolves with renewed creations. As for the labyrinth, planted with Caucasian laurels, it constitutes an amusing challenge for young and old alike, and an unmissable meeting point for families visiting Château de Cheverny.
From April to mid-November, it's also possible to discover the forest park by boat and electric cars, as part of a specific package (included in the complete visit ticket at €26 adult). This ride of about 1 additional hour takes you through the wooded paths and ponds of the estate, for a moment of relaxation out of time.
4. The kennels and hunting dog pack
One of the most unusual curiosities of Château de Cheverny is undoubtedly its kennels, occupied by a pack of about a hundred tricolor Anglo-French dogs. This breed, resulting from the crossbreeding of English Fox Hounds and French Poitevins, is specially bred for stag hunting in Sologne, a noble tradition still perpetuated today by the Hurault de Vibraye family.
The kennels are accessible to visitors throughout the day (except Saturdays), and observing the pack in its enclosures is a striking spectacle. But the most anticipated event is undoubtedly the pack feeding, which takes place daily in summer at 11:30 AM: the huntsman throws the food to the hundred hungry dogs, who pounce on it in a cacophony of growls and barks. This moment of canine frenzy, both funny and impressive, is one of the most photographed spectacles on the estate.
It's important to note that pets are not allowed within the estate grounds, for obvious safety reasons regarding the pack. Plan accordingly before your arrival.
5. The Orangery and dining on the estate
The Orangery of Château de Cheverny, built in the 18th century, is one of the most charming buildings on the estate. With its large bay windows opening onto the park, it was long reserved for the family's relaxation and receptions. Today, after careful restoration, it houses a restaurant space open to visitors (especially during vacation periods), where it's pleasant to stop for a gourmet lunch or afternoon snack.
The Orangery of Château de Cheverny (32 Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, rated 3.8/5 on Google for 939 reviews) is open from 11 AM to 6:30 PM depending on the season. If you're planning your visit during school holidays, it's the ideal place to take a break in the heart of the park and enjoy a stunning view of the château façade.
Picnic areas are also available in the park for those who prefer to bring their own meal. A château shop and a Tintin shop offer souvenirs, decorative objects and editions related to the comic book universe.
6. Family activities at Château de Cheverny
Château de Cheverny has clearly made welcoming families one of its priorities. Beyond the labyrinth and the Tintin exhibition, which delight children, the estate offers several activities specifically designed for the youngest visitors.
The treasure hunt "The Marquis's Treasure" is designed for children aged 6 to 12: equipped with a game booklet, they set off to discover the estate by solving riddles that lead them from room to room and garden to garden. It's a fun and interactive way to explore Château de Cheverny while having fun.
Even more innovative, the digital treasure hunt "The Cryptors" uses artificial intelligence technology to allow visitors to chat with historical characters via their smartphone. An original concept that blends heritage and modernity, appealing to both children and adults.
In good weather, the boat and electric car ride in the forest park is an activity acclaimed by families. It allows you to discover the most secret corners of the estate in a relaxed and bucolic atmosphere, away from the bustle of the exhibition rooms. In season, pony rides are also offered for the youngest, around the park.
Prices and hours to visit Château de Cheverny
Château de Cheverny (Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 21,957 reviews) is open 365 days a year, without exception, including December 25th, January 1st and May 1st. Tickets are only sold on site, without prior online reservation. Parking is free.
Opening hours
Hours vary by season: from 10 AM to 5 PM from January to March and October to December; from 9:15 AM to 6 PM in April-June and September; from 9:15 AM to 6:30 PM in July and August. The Secrets of Marlinspike exhibition has a midday break (closed between 12:45 PM and 1:45 PM).
Price schedule
Four visit packages are offered, allowing everyone to customize their visit according to their desires and budget. The Château and gardens package is €15.50 (adult) / €11.50 (reduced rate) / free for under 7s, for a duration of 1h30 to 1h45. Adding the Tintin exhibition, the ticket becomes €20.50 / €16 (duration 2h15 to 2h30). The visit with park discovery by boat and electric cars costs €21 / €16.50, with €4 for children aged 7 to 14. Finally, the complete visit (château + gardens + Tintin + park) is €26 / €21 (€4 children), for a total duration of 3h to 4h.
The reduced rate applies to large families, children aged 7 to 14, high school students, students under 25 and job seekers (with proof). Entry is free for people with disabilities. Guided tours are available certain days at 9:30 AM (April to October) for an additional €5 per person, by reservation.
How to get to Château de Cheverny?
Château de Cheverny is ideally located 18 km south of Blois, about 20 minutes by car via the D956. From Paris, allow about 2 hours by car taking the A10 to Blois, then following departmental roads to Cheverny. It's also accessible 15 km from Château de Chambord and 50 km from Château de Chenonceau, making it a natural stop during a Loire châteaux circuit.
By train, the nearest station is Blois-Chambord, served from Paris-Austerlitz and Tours. From the station, regular bus lines (lines #2 and #12 from Blois bus station) connect to the Cheverny stop. In high season, tourist shuttles connect Blois to the main surrounding châteaux, including Cheverny. It's also possible to reach Cheverny by bike from Blois using marked cycle paths, for an 18 km ride through Sologne.
What to do around Château de Cheverny?
Visiting Château de Cheverny naturally fits into a larger circuit through the Loire châteaux. Just 15 km away, Château de Chambord is the absolute must-see of the region: with its 440 rooms and famous double-revolution staircase, it fascinates with its monumental dimensions. 18 km away, Blois also deserves an extended stop: the city contains exceptional heritage, between its royal château with four architectural wings, its Saint-Louis cathedral, its medieval streets and its House of Magic. Take advantage of your visit to visit Blois and let yourself be guided through its historical riches.
Further away, Château de Chenonceau (50 km away), nicknamed the "Ladies' Château" for its elegant galleries spanning the Cher, and Château de Villandry, famous for its terraced gardens of geometric perfection, ideally complement your stay in the Loire Valley. The region also abounds with smaller, more intimate châteaux, like Beauregard and Fougères-sur-Bièvre, which will delight lovers of authentic and preserved heritage.
If you wish to explore the surroundings more thoroughly, the Ryo app offers an audio-guided circuit to visit Blois on foot and independently, allowing you to wander through the streets of the Loire capital's historic center with all the anecdotes and city history in your ears.
Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Blois on foot and independently
Ryo offers an audio-guided itinerary to visit Blois in 1 day, on foot and in complete autonomy. In 4 km and 1h45 of walking, you discover 22 must-see places of interest in the city: the Jacques Gabriel bridge, the royal château de Blois, Saint-Louis cathedral, the House of Acrobats, the Bishop's gardens and many others. Each point of interest is accompanied by a fun audio commentary, rich in historical anecdotes and architectural details. Ideal before or after your visit to Château de Cheverny, to make the most of your stay in the Loire Valley.
In conclusion, visiting Château de Cheverny means offering yourself much more than a simple walk through a historic château. It's a dive into six centuries of French art de vivre, between sumptuously furnished interiors, enchanting gardens, immersive Tintin exhibition and the unique spectacle of the pack feeding. This living and inhabited estate, open 365 days a year, appeals to families as much as history enthusiasts or nature lovers. And if you wish to extend the adventure, the Ryo itinerary of Blois awaits you a few kilometers away, for an equally memorable discovery of the Loire Valley capital at your own pace.
FAQ – Visit Château de Cheverny
Is Château de Cheverny open all year round?
Yes, Château de Cheverny is open 365 days a year, including holidays like Christmas, New Year's Day and May 1st. Hours vary by season: from 10 AM to 5 PM in low season (January-March and October-December), and from 9:15 AM to 6 PM or 6:30 PM in high season.
Can you buy tickets online for Château de Cheverny?
No, tickets for Château de Cheverny are only sold on site, at the estate's ticket office. There's no online reservation and no particular queue except during high season weekends and school holidays.
How much time should you plan to visit Château de Cheverny?
Allow between 1h30 and 1h45 for the château and gardens visit, 2h15 to 2h30 adding the Tintin exhibition, and up to 3h to 4h for the complete visit including the park ride by boat and electric cars (available from April to mid-November).
Is Château de Cheverny accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, Château de Cheverny has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and adapted parking. People with disability cards benefit from free entry. The companion pays the normal rate.
Can you bring pets to Château de Cheverny?
No, pets are not allowed within the grounds of Château de Cheverny, particularly due to the presence of the hunting dog pack in the kennels.
What's the best time to visit Château de Cheverny?
The ideal period to visit Château de Cheverny is spring (April-June), when the gardens are in bloom and tulips form a spectacular ribbon of colors. To avoid crowds, prefer weekday mornings. Weekends and school holidays, especially in July and August, are the busiest times.
Can you combine the Cheverny visit with other châteaux on the same day?
Yes, absolutely. Château de Chambord is 15 km away, and the royal château de Blois 18 km away. Starting early in the morning, it's quite possible to combine visiting Château de Cheverny with Chambord or Blois on the same day, especially since Cheverny's parking is free and queues are generally short except on weekends.