Château de Chenonceau: frequently asked questions
Is this the official Chenonceau website?
No. Loire Valley Castles is an independent visitor guide. The official website is chenonceau.com. We do not run the château, and our tickets and tours are sold by our partner Tiqets.
How much does a ticket to Chenonceau cost?
On the official site, 19 € for an adult with a paper guide and 24 € with an audio guide, as read on 22 October 2026. Over-65s pay 16 € and 21 €.
Is Chenonceau open all year?
Yes, every day, including 25 December and 1 January. Hours change with the season: the 2026 hours range from 9:30–16:30 to 9:00–19:00.
What time is the last entry?
The official site does not publish it. Plan to arrive well before closing time.
How long should I allow?
2 to 3 hours for the château, the gardens and the maze, our estimate.
How do I get from Paris without a car?
TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Tours Saint-Pierre-des-Corps in about 1 hour, then the TER to Chenonceaux in 25 minutes. Check the TER timetable, because the frequency is not published by the château.
Why is it called the Ladies’ Château?
Because women built it and shaped it, says the official site: Catherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de’ Medici, Louise de Lorraine, Louise Dupin and Madame Pelouze.
Can I walk through the gallery over the river?
Yes, the gallery over the Cher is part of the visit.
Are the gardens included?
Yes. The entry ticket includes the two formal gardens, the Green Garden, the maze and the flower garden.
Is there a combined ticket with other castles?
Yes, on Tiqets: Amboise, Clos Lucé and Chenonceau, or Chambord, Chenonceau and Clos Lucé, or a pass with Chambord and Blois. Compare the price with the single tickets before you book.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on a leash are allowed in the gardens, and must be carried inside the château, according to the official services page.