This massive chateau has to be seen to be believed, very interesting but the size overwhelms. Well presented history and friendly staff.Only drawback no coffee available in the morning, they do lunch and coffee in afternoon. After three or is it four floors and umpteen rooms we were all dying for a caffine hit. But no. I would still visit all the same.
SAKirke
I did day in my last review that when you have seen one you've seen them all. This is another not to be missed. You have to see to believe.A great day out with the family.
KevinSully
This is a grand Chateau, with great history. The design of the staircase is amazing and at first you do not realise that they cross over. The grounds are lovely and well cared for. We are early for the tourist season so have not had to cope with crowds and this has made the tour more leisurely.
Sandyexpat
This is obviously one of the 'must sees' of the Loire valley but don't expect the glamorously decorated rooms like Chenonceau, go for the massive size, stunning roof line and excellent walking areas. Definitely shows up as a male Château ('lookat how big and grand I can be...') compared the the delicate and functionally feminine Chenonceau. Many of the rooms aren't decorated at all and it is totally FREEZING throughout (was warmer outdoors, wrap up warm even on sunny days!) but the architecture and stunning staircase are superb. The video presentation is well worth watching to understand the history and background. We found the staff quite rude and disinterested and in particular the security staff member who demanded to check our bags who was wearing no uniform or ID and we actually just though she was a member of a tour group! Staff in the cafe were more interested in drinking their own coffees at the counter and gossiping to serve us and the only other table in the restaurant. Definitely try to arrange a packed lunch to enjoy in the grounds afterwards which could leave you busy for hours, note the grounds aren't fancy gardens but a wildlife area with wonderful canals and walking tracks.
amza69
Francois premier has built it,on a place which was initially a swamp.In the center there is an illusional stair,made by LEONARDO da VINCI.
nop_12
Drama describes the drive up to this Chateau, set on serene and pristine manicured grounds. The scale as one gets closer keeps one in awe in contemplating the way the Royal Court lived in times past as well as the orchestration and logistics to cater to the monarchy's brief visits here. The rooms are immense but sparse as one would imagine when unoccupied most of the year. There are several restaurants and gift shops in a small plaza on your way from the parking lot to the Chateau. The Chateau is a very easy stop off and well marked on the way down from Paris. We took about an hour to tour the chateau and part of the grounds (a Fall weekday with no crowds), stopped in for a quick snack and coffee (jetlag having flown in that day), and then were on our way.