Chenonceau: opening hours and the best time to visit

This unmissable monument spans the Cher, a tributary of the Loire, in the town of Chenonceaux, postal code 37150, less than twenty miles from the city of Tours. Its setting over the water gives it the air of a castle from a storybook, and its position in Touraine makes it an easy highlight of any Loire Valley itinerary.

The site is open every day of the year, including public holidays, but the hours change with the seasons, so it is worth checking before you set out. During the long weekends in May, Chenonceau extends its hours, welcoming visitors from 9:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Whatever the season, you may linger inside the château for a further half hour after the ticket window has closed.

Because Chenonceau is an enormously popular destination, especially in fine weather, it is best to arrive early in the morning or in the early afternoon. In summer you will appreciate the cool of the early hours and avoid the heaviest flow of visitors. Time at Chenonceau is best spent wandering the rooms and gardens, not waiting in line, so an early start makes all the difference.