When we visited Cheverny today, I was amazed at how beautiful it is inside. I did not remember any of the state rooms, only the bedrooms which I found disappointing during my last visit over ten years go. The domaine has been in the same family for six centuries and open to the public since 1922. The château as it stands today was built between 1624 and 1640 by Count Henri Hurault and his wife Marguerite Gaillard de la Marinière. The sumptuous interior decoration is by Jean Monier from Blois. It is the only major château to have retained its original furniture. Fifteen thousand bulbs are planted in the gardens each year, so if you can, time your visit for spring!
Front façade
Painted ceiling in the Grand Dining Room
Fireplace in the Arms Room
Stone sculpture on main staircase
The family dining room with its matching table cloth and porcelain with the family arms
Painted shutters in the Arms Room
Late 18th century Erard harp in perfect working order
Painted door in the Grand Drawing Room
North façade of Cheverny
The Orangery
Tintin exhibition – Cheverny is the “model” for Marlinspike Hall (Moulinsart in French), Captain Haddock’s residence in the Tintin comics, created by the Belgian author and illustrator Hergé
Cheverny is fabulous. It’s one of my favourites, and a favourite with the clients too. I love the dogs. Its real importance is that it is really the only major Loire chateau which retains its original interior, and the interior is contemporary with the exterior. It is a remarkable survival, and the family is greatly to be credited with its survival. We combine it with Chenonceau as they are almost exactly 100 years apart and bookend the Renaissance very nicely.
Yes, we didn’t visit the dogs. I don’t think you can until Easter. The kennels are currently being refurbished. I shall add your information about it being the only major Loire Château with retains its original interior. It’s so strange that I don’t remember those beautiful rooms from the first visit.
PS LOL — sorry Rosemary, but I laughed when I saw the last photo caption. The chateau is the model for Marlinspike Hall in the English versions (Moulinsart in the French), Captain Haddock’s residence in the Tintin comics, created by the Belgian author and illustrator Hergé.
It’s a good thing you’re around to pick up my mistakes! I’m afraid my comic culture in English stopped with Donald Duck and the Phantom when I was about 10. I once read a “Léonard” and a couple of the Astérix series. Comics were the only books I wouldn’t read to my children (to their great dismay) because I don’t like the drawings and find them confusing. I shall correct my error straight away!
The animated television series of Tintin is very good for French practice — simple, repetitive language, easy to follow because it’s a cartoon.
Thank you!
Hi “Aussie in France”
The photos you posted are beautiful. I can’t wait to visit the Loire Valley this year. Chateau de Cheverny will definitely be on my sight-seeing list.
Thak you
You’ll love it! Looking forward to seeing you.
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