This magnificent estate has been linked to the same family, the Hurault de Vibraye, for over six centuries.
Cheverny is not just a monument, but a family home. For over six centuries, this magnificent estate has belonged to the same family, the Hurault de Vibraye. The current owners, the Marquises de Vibraye, faithfully perpetuate this long tradition in the most beautiful of ways: by living here. They occupy one of the wings of the largest private châteaux still inhabited in the Loire Valley, and open the rest to the public for a visit far removed from that of the great royal residences, which prioritize the display of the sovereign's power rather than the well-being of its inhabitants. From the moment you enter, you get the impression that this is a living castle, and this impression is reinforced throughout the visit by the atmosphere that reigns here. The first fortress, erected around 1500, left few vestiges, and was replaced in 1624 by this jewel of classical architecture, all in Bourré stone, the exceptional qualities of tuffeau stone, which hardens and whitens over time. Adorned with busts of Roman emperors, its admirably symmetrical facade is unmistakable. The harmony continues inside, with the extraordinary Louis XIII grand staircase, sculptures, paintings and, of course, furniture, for in a château that has always been lived in, furnishing treasures have accumulated over the centuries. Cheverny served as a model for Hergé, who used the central part to design Captain Haddock's château, Moulinsart. Even the broken step on the grand staircase in Les Bijoux de la Castafiore comes from Cheverny! It's this close link that led the estate to open a permanent exhibition that plunges young and old alike into the world of Tintin. Don't miss the work of comic-book precursor Jean Mosnier, who in the 17th century reproduced the adventures of Don Quixote on thirty-four panels. If the interior is remarkable, the exterior is no less so, with its park of century-old trees that can be explored by boat or electric car, and its six themed gardens: the vegetable garden, the garden of love, the apprentice garden, the tulip garden with its 500,000 flowers, the sweet garden with its orchard full of flavors and the labyrinth that lets you get lost among the laurel trees. Numerous treasure hunts, parties and concerts enliven the gardens of this most delightful of castles.
Don't miss the permanent exhibition " The Secrets of Moulinsart " - from Cheverny to Moulinsart, it's just a stroke of the pen... of genius!
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Members' reviews on CHEVERNY CASTLE
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Nous sommes un petit groupe de 3 élèves futurs conducteurs d'autocars de grand tourisme, et sommes amenés à diriger nos nombreux et futurs clients vers ce château.
Actuellement en fin de formation avec un car-école, nous avons simplement demandé à cette dame si nous pouvions entrer 1min histoire de prendre une photo de nous 3 devant le chateau, histoire de repartir avec un petit souvenir de notre formation de conducteur d'autocars.
Sa réponse a été expédié en un "absolument non", avec un air hautin, ne cherchant pas à comprendre et en prétextant de fausses excuses comme le droit à l'image !! (Comme si on ne trouvait pas de photos du château sur internet...!!)
Les autres châteauxont, eux, volontiers laisser l'accès à la devanture. (Ils ont compris le concept du commerce, eux.)
Nous n'oublierons pas cette situation lorsque des clients nous demanderont de les emmener à Cheverny ou de faire un détour.
À peine arrivés, nous avons été pris à partie sur un ton sec et méprisant, sans bonjour ni écoute. On nous a interdit toute prise de photos, sans distinction entre usage commercial et simple partage associatif, en rejetant nos explications avec une hostilité incompréhensible.
Nous étions venus avec respect et enthousiasme pour valoriser le patrimoine français. Trois membres de notre groupe, choqués, ont préféré quitter les lieux.
Heureusement, Dominique et Jean nous ont ensuite accueillis avec une grande bienveillance et ont sauvé notre visite. Mais cela ne fait pas oublier la violence de l’accueil initial.
Il est inadmissible qu’un lieu culturel traite ainsi ses visiteurs. Nous espérons que cela ne se reproduira plus.