Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire- French Ornament

Location	Chaumont-sur-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France (Google Maps)
Open for Visitors	Yes
Owned by	Government of France
Official Website	The domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire
Rooms Available	Events, Weddings

Chateau de Chaumont, also known as Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire, is a beautiful chateau located in Chaumont-sur-Loire, France. Built around the year 1000 to secure the borders between Blois and Anjou, this chateau has a deep history. It is now known as the fabulous array of art and is open to the public to explore. You can take a guided tour of this chateau and learn about its long past and architecture.

Chateau de Chaumont History

Chateau de Chaumont got its name from French ‘Chauve Mont’, a bald hill. The chateau was built on the site in the 10th century by Odo I, Count of Blois, to protect his lands from attacks by the Feudal River. On his behalf, Norman Gelduin received the chateau and worked on its further improvement. On the marriage of his great-niece, Denise de Fougere, the chateau was given as a marriage gift and was passed to the Amboise family.

In 1465, the Amboise family could not rebel against King Louis XI, and their property was seized. Chateau de Chaumont was also dismantled under royal orders. Between 1465 and 1475, the chateau was rebuilt by Charles I d’Amboise and finished by Charles II d’Amboise de Chaumont between 1498 and 1510 with the help of his uncle, George d’Amboise. Here, several Renaissance features were added to the chateau while retaining its overall medieval appearance.

In 1550, the chateau was acquired by Catherine de Medici, the wife of Henry II. In 1559, Henry II died, and she forced his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, to accept the chateau in exchange for Chateau de Chenonceau. It was given to Diane de Poitiers by Henry II as a gift. For years, the chateau remained with the de Poitiers family. In 1594, it was sold to Largentier, a tax farmer. However, he got arrested for speculation, and the chateau was passed to the family originating at Lucca and then to Seigneurs de Rouffignac.

In 1699, Duc de Saint Aignan bought the chateau and modernised its interiors. His heir was forced to sell this chateau to pay his debts to Louis XV, Monsieur Bertin. He also made several alterations to the chateau. In 1750, the chateau was purchased by Jacques-Donatien Le Ray. Then it was acquired by Madame de Stael in 1810. The chateau was then neglected for several years. In 1833, it was bought by Comte d’Aramon, who installed the art museum in the chateau.

Since 1840, the French Ministry of Culture has appointed the chateau as the Monument Historique. The last owner of the chateau donated it to the government in 1938. Currently, it is operated as a museum and hosts several Garden Festivals each year.

Chateau de Chaumont Architecture

Chateau de Chaumont is an Ornamental Chateau with a Renaissance style. It has medieval exteriors and interior courtyards. The Cylindrical towers, a sturdy drawbridge, and various sculpted decorations on the outer front walls make this chateau magical from the outside.

Chateau de Chaumont Interior

Chateau de Chaumont is one of the most lavishly furnished castles. Most of the decor in the chateau dates from the 19th century. You will also find some rooms on the first floor with Renaissance-style decors. Every floor is connected via a spiral staircase, which is the castle’s highlight. The interior decorations overall reflect the Broglie family’s history.

The grand salon and library of the chateau include 16th-century Flemish tapestries. The small hexagonal chapel has beautiful vivid blue, red, and golden glass decorations. The council chamber has unique majolica floor tiles inspired by the 17th-century Sicilian palace. In total, there are around 15 rooms and a small gothic-style chapel to explore.

Chateau de Chaumont Grounds

In the 19th century, the garden was added to the Chateau de Chaumont estate. It has the overall English style with hints of formality and includes various species of trees. The overall ground is nearly 2,500 hectares big and has woods, farms, and land. You will also notice a unique brick stable with electric light and running water outside the chateau. It displays a large collection of equestrian equipment.

The ground of this chateau is open for events each year. You can even plan the Chateau de Chaumont marriage on the grounds and build fairytale memories on your D-Day. Overall, it is a favourite picnic and photography spot for tourists. If you enjoy being surrounded by nature, this chateau is a must-visit.

Chateau de Chaumont Facts

• Since 2008, Chateau de Chaumont has been the centre of artistic and landscape creation. It hosts annual visual arts and photography exhibitions, film screenings, and art concerts.
• You will need at least 2 hours to explore both the chateau and the main sections of its grounds.