Château de Cheverny is a classical Louis XIII-style château in France's Loire Valley, built between 1624 and 1630 and held by the same family (the Hurault line, today the marquis de Vibraye) for more than six centuries. It is famous for having one of the most sumptuously furnished interiors of any Loire château, for its living pack of around 100 hunting hounds, and for inspiring Hergé's Marlinspike Hall in The Adventures of Tintin. As of 2026 it is still privately inhabited yet open to visitors 365 days a year, so expect a lived-in aristocratic home rather than an empty museum. It pairs well with nearby Chambord or Blois for a full day in the Loire.
The most richly furnished interiors in the Loire - the Grand Salon, the King's Bedchamber with its Ulysses tapestries, the Arms Room, and the picture-hung library
The permanent 'Les Secrets de Moulinsart' exhibition recreating the world of Tintin and Captain Haddock
The kennels and the 'Soupe des chiens' hound-feeding spectacle, typically around 11:30 in summer
Six themed gardens - the tulip garden in spring, and giant blooms around the Orangery in summer
Boat and electric-buggy tours through the vast park and canal (spring to autumn)
Good to know
RulesTickets are sold only at the on-site box office - there is no online booking. Payment is by cash or card, but American Express is not accepted, so bring another card or cash.
SeasonOpening hours change by season: roughly 9:15-18:30 in July-August (the longest) versus 10:00-17:00 in winter. Confirm the current hours on the official website before you go.
SeasonThe famous 'Soupe des chiens' hound-feeding show runs daily around 11:30 in summer (April to mid-September) but only on certain weekdays off-season. Re-check that day's schedule on arrival if you want to catch it.
MannersDuring the feeding the hounds wait in complete silence until the signal, then rush the food. Keep quiet and don't startle them, and remember this is a lived-in family home where hunting traditions are still active.
SafetyThe estate is huge (2,000+ acres) with a canal, ponds, and boat/electric-buggy routes. Watch children near the water and buggy paths, and never put your hands through the kennel fencing.
CautionThere is no direct train to the château, which sits between Blois and Chambord. Buy at the official on-site box office rather than from unofficial resellers charging marked-up 'tour' tickets, and note that parking is free - be wary of anyone charging for it.
Practical info
Cheverny is about a 15-minute drive from Blois; there is no direct train, so a rental car, taxi, or a tour shuttle from Blois is easiest. It is open 365 days a year, but tickets are on-site only (no reservation) and a guided tour costs €5 extra per person. Prices and hours change seasonally, so always confirm the latest details on the official website.
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