For our July trip, I'm looking to book our entry into Chenonceau - the website suggests we need a time slot for entering the chateau itself. It doesn't look to be selling out right now, but I know it may be more crowded as we get closer to mid-July so I want to be prepared. I'm just trying to determine the best time for entry, balancing our planned transit and lunch. We are taking the bus from Amboise that morning, and will either hang out in the gardens until the late bus, or take the mid-afternoon train to Tours for a side trip on the way back to Amboise. If we leave food/backpack in a locker by the billeterie, can we exit, eat, and then re-enter the grounds? I found some posts from many years ago that said they would stamp your hand for this, but I know rules can change. Or can we just carry a small backpack with lunch inside while we enter the chateau (obviously not eating inside)? Thank you!
Posted by
Connecticut
692 posts
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to several years ago. We purchased tickets upon arrival and we were free to come and go at out leisure. Their website lists an email address where you may be able to present this question. You’ll certainly have a very nice time there.
Posted by
Paris
10199 posts
Yes, they are still stamping hands for re-entry. I got mine stamped in April and last October as well. (They don't seem to advertise this, but if you ask, they have never refused me. And as you can see, my two most recent visits are during / since the pandemic started.)
Fyi - the time they give you is for entry on to the grounds, and then you are to go directly to the interior of the Chateau for your visit there. Then you can see the grounds as you wish.
But I carried my smallish-medium backpack with me during my whole April visit - it wasn't an issue.
If you want to be sandwiches at the bakery up the street, note that the line can get long, and they sell out kind of early ! I would bring sandwiches from Amboise.
The grounds are lovely for picknicking.
Posted by
Loire Valley
824 posts
The time on your timed entry is for entry to the chateau interior. If they are less busy it's not so important, but on a busy day you have a 15 minute window. You can enter the grounds at any time before that (using your ticket, natch)
(From the Chenonceau website:
WARNING : It is very busy during the holidays, you are advised to buy your ticket online with your time slot or you may not be able to enter the château de Chenonceau !
In order not to wait at the castle entrance,
a time slot is needed for the visit into the castle.
When you buy a ticket, you have to choose the time you will enter the castle,
You can enter the gardens anytime (during the day of validity of the ticket).
,)
You're not allowed to take foods into the grounds at all, it's the only way they can stop people from picnicking in the grounds.
Re-entry may or may not be allowed, also depending on how busy they are. Earlier this month the chateau was full (the "complet" signs were up at 9am) and they were selling no entry tickets on the day
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10623 posts
Simon says--he works in Loire tourism. There is a large cafeteria with plenty of tables. We ate at an outside table.
Posted by
Loire Valley
824 posts
The cafe is surprisingly good value, and because the restaurant hasn't opened this year they have installed a lot more tables under umbrellas
Posted by
OP
126 posts
Thank you all, this is very helpful! I do plan on getting tickets ahead of time, knowing it will get quite busy, and we don't want to get there and not get in. Especially since we will be taking the bus.