The château de Cheverny, located in the Loire Valley, is a castle with many facets. First of all, it is a family castle, which has been inhabited by the same family for more than 6 centuries! Hergé, who created the adventures of Tintin, was inspired by Cheverny to imagine the castle of Moulinsart, owned by Captain Haddock, in the comics. The castle of Cheverny is also one of the most famous and most visited castles of the Loire Valley. Finally, the castle of Cheverny, and more particularly its owners, the Marquis and the Marquise de Vibraye, support, in their own way, various causes which are dear to their hearts.
During the month of October, the castle was illuminated in pink to show its support for the operation “Pink October”. The goal of this operation is to encourage women to take breast cancer screening tests. During this month of November (2016), Cheverny Castle is blue every night, to support the 60th anniversary of the Association of Young Diabetics. The three children of the owners of the castle are suffering from this disease, the owners would like to draw attention to this disease and encourage research. A charity gala is organized at the castle for the benefit of the association (there is no longer available seat but it is always possible to make a donation).
Visit
The visit of the private castle of Cheverny is a self-guided tour with an explanatory leaflet (the children will receive a document suitable for them). However, depending on the months, guided tours are also organized (departure times are available on the website). The castle is furnished and you discover many rooms. Besides the castle, you also visit the park, the gardens (on foot, by boat or with electric cars) and an exhibition. This exhibition, named “The secrets of Moulinsart” allows you to enter the universe of Tintin, change of scenery guaranteed!
Several shops and restaurants can be found on the property. You can also eat your picnic in the areas (sheltered against the rain) reserved for this purpose. It is also possible to sleep in the luxury suites (in one of the castle’s outbuildings) or rent out reception rooms.
Given the success of the castle, we strongly advise you to arrive early, in high season, or prefer to visit Cheverny castle in low season. Indeed, the castle is open all year round!
Activities
Inhabited all year round by its owners, the castle of Cheverny is very animated. Many events are organized such as “Christmas at the castle”, the festival of plants, the marathon, concerts, the reception of a rally of vintage cars, etc.
We strongly advise you to visit this castle with a big heart and advise you to pay attention to the dates, if you want to avoid crowds. Keep an eye on the castle’s website, all the information is regularly updated and the events announced in advance.