Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Palaces

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceaux, France

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST PALACES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 25 2026
Château de Chenonceau

A Renaissance château built across the River Cher, reached by a long avenue of plane trees and known as the Ladies' Castle. Inside are furnished rooms with tapestries, paintings, fresh flower bouquets and basement kitchens, while the grounds hold gardens, a farm, a maze and woods.

Highlights

  • Gallery over the Cher
  • Basement kitchens
  • Flower and vegetable gardens

Good to know

  • Online tickets give timed slots for the château
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and tour groups
  • Allow two to four hours

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