Chateau Chenonceau Tourist Tips

Chateau Chenonceau, located in the village of Chenonceaux on the Cher river in France's Loire valley, is a very popular tourist destination. Even when compared with the many chateaus in the Loire valley, Chateau Chenonceau is unique. Along with the striking main house, there are several decorative gardens, a potager (combination flower/vegetable garden), a wine cellar, a maze, and a restaurant - this is not a visit to be rushed. On line reports of ticket prices vary substantially; In June 2007, tickets were 9.50 Euros per adult.

The village of Chenonceaux is tiny, with only about 300 permanent residents. But each year, tourists from France and abroad flood the town to see its landmark chateau, especially its famous architectural feat, the hall which spans the river.

There is nothing less relaxing than a bad vacation experience, and many a tourist's visit can be ruined without proper preparation or planning. Here's what you need to know to get the most out of your visit to Chateau Chenonceau.

The property is open from 9-6. During peak season, there is no way to avoid the crowds. A thorough tour of the house will take about 90 minutes, a thorough tour of the entire holding will take several hours, and if you plan to eat there give it an entire day.

Wear casual (not sloppy) clothes. Shoes should be comfortable and sturdy, because the grounds are vast and walking surfaces vary from packed earth to gravel to uneven tile. While there is a lot of shade, there are also areas which take direct sun (especially the gardens) so don't forget to wear layers and sunscreen.

There is ample free parking, some of it shaded by trees. If you prefer to travel by train, the Chenonceaux station sits a stone's throw from the property. The train trip from Tours takes 47 minutes and trains run throughout the day. Check SNCF's website for current timetables and prices.

Dogs of all sizes on leads are welcome at Chenonceau, but to enter the chateau, they must be carried. If you plan to bring your larger dog, be sure to get there early so you can park in the shade and your dog will be cool and safe while you 'do' the chateau, after which he can join you to tour the rest of the large property. If you are bringing your dog, be sure to remember a container to offer water. Also, it's a good idea to bring a bag in the event that a 'pick up' is necessary.

Chenonceau has clean restrooms, but they are coin operated with a 20 cent piece. While you can pay your entrance fee, gift shop purchases, and restaurant bill with a debit or credit card, the toilets do not accept plastic. Be sure to bring some change with you.

You are allowed to bring your own water with you; if you forget, bottled water is available from vending machines or the cafe though you will be paying a premium 'tourist' price. A thorough tour of Chenonceau will take several hours, so if you aren't planning to eat at the cafe or the Orangerie remember to pack your lunch - lest you get stuck desperately hungry and are forced to eat something you don't want. I didn't see anyone 'picnicking' and as the grass is off limits a picnic would be more of a tailgate affair in the parking lot.

When touring the main house, don't skip renting an audio guide for 3.50 Euros. The mp3 players with headphones offer a 45 minute 'quick' version and a 90 minute full version to tell you what your are seeing as you go through the historic rooms. You are not allowed to leave the building with the player and there are no audio guides available for the property's other attractions.

Tourists with limited mobility and disabled tourists often have problems in Europe, and France's Chateau Chenonceau is no exception. Disabled tourists should consider their individual disability and needs to evaluate whether this is a trip worth their time. Factors to consider: Walking surfaces include packed earth, gravel, and uneven tile. The property is very large, so if stamina is an issue, disabled tourists might consider bringing a wheelchair for the trip from the parking area to the chateau. The chateau is not entirely wheelchair accessible, as there are stairs and the floor is unevenly tiled. There is seating available in the main house for resting while touring, but not in every room. The grounds include distances up to 400 meters with no seating available. The toilets are located about 400 meters from the main house and are not wheelchair accessible. The toilet stalls are tiny, so people who require assistance would find it difficult because there is no way two people can be in the stall and close the door. The gift shop is quite small and crowded (difficult if you use a walker or zimmer frame) and reachable only by stairs. The wine cellar is (naturally) down stairs. The restaurant and the the cafe are both wheelchair accessible, as are the gardens if the wheelchair can navigate small gravel.

If you are in the Loire area, Chateau Chenonceau is a fantastic way to spend a day. Its the embodiment of what tourists come to France for - history, culture, and scenery. Follow my tips and you'll be set for a wonderful experience. Bon voyage!