Best castles around Bauzy, a commune in the Loir-et-Cher department of France, offers access to significant historical sites. The area serves as a base for exploring notable châteaux in the Loire Valley. Visitors can find 3 castles to explore in and around this region.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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It is the largest Renaissance hunting lodge on the Loire. A visit is highly recommended. There is a paid parking lot. The park is 55 hectares in size. Chambord Castle impresses with its architecture, the beautifully furnished rooms and art. It is recommended to rent a Histopad for 6.5 euros. From the terrace you have great views of the landscaped garden and the extensive park.
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Built in a Classical style, the Cherveny castle has belonged to the same family for more than six centuries, the Huraults, financiers and officers in the service of several kings of France. The current castle was built around 1625 by Henri, son of Philippe Hurault, and his wife Marguerite Gaillard de la Morinière. They launched the construction of the current castle and entrusted the execution of the work to the architect Jacques Bougier. He uses “Bourré stone”, a stone from the Cher valley which has the particularity of whitening and hardening as it ages. Sobriety and symmetry characterize the Château de Cheverny, a precursor of the French style which established itself under the reign of Louis XIV. The work is of such magnitude that it will not see the end of the project. Their daughter Elisabeth, Marquise de Montglas, completed the interior decoration which was entrusted to Jean Monier. During the following hundred and fifty years, the Château de Cheverny changed owners several times. In 1825, Anne Denis Hurault, Marquis de Vibraye, bought the property from her ancestors. The Château de Cheverny, which has always been inhabited, presents remarkably well-preserved pieces of furniture and interior fittings. The first floor apartments bear witness to the French art of living. An English-style park and gardens surround the Château de Cheverny. Visitors can discover the Jardin des Apprentis, a contemporary designed garden created in 2006 which was inspired by the found plans of an old French garden and the vegetable garden, designed by the Marquise de Vibraye, it combines the use original of different colored materials, vegetables and flowers. The Garden of Love, created in 2019, presents six monumental statues by Gudmar Olovson which reflect Love in all its forms. Cheverny constitutes a heritage of stones, land but also of tradition with venery or hunting with hounds. The Cheverny crew was founded in 1850 by the Marquis de Vibraye. Nowadays, in the Cheverny forest and neighboring forests, the crew harvests exclusively deer. Every day, from April to September 14, subject to reservations, at 11:30 a.m., visitors can attend the dog meal. The Château de Cheverny inspired the Château de Moulinsart to the Belgian comic book author, Hergé. The Domaine de Cheverny and the Hergé Foundation have joined forces to create and set up a permanent exhibition on the theme: the secrets of Moulinsart.
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In the heart of Sologne, the Château de Chambord has continued to dazzle its visitors for five hundred years. A true architectural work, Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance throughout the world. An affirmation of royal power, but also an evocation of an ideal city, the monument remains an enigma that has not yet finished revealing all its secrets. The unique and magical atmosphere is felt upon arrival, after crossing the forest, when you find yourself facing this castle with its extraordinary architecture imagined by François I and on which floats the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci. Built from 1519 at the request of François I, a lover of the arts and hunting, the Château de Chambord is a palace that the king liked to show to sovereigns and ambassadors as a symbol of his power inscribed in stone. Built in the heart of the marshy lands of Sologne, Chambord represents a true architectural feat. The plan of the castle and its decorations were designed around a central axis: the famous double-revolution staircase, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. The castle was completed under the reign of Louis XIV. In the 18th century, work was undertaken to develop the interior of the castle. The need to bring warmth and comfort to the building prompted the various occupants to furnish the castle permanently. By visiting the Château Chambord, you travel through 500 years of French history in a few hours. Stairs, galleries, terraces, large rooms and small offices are all solicitations to wander for pleasure. Chambord is not a castle like the others. Visiting Chambord is accessing a world apart, filled with mystery, which opens the doors to the genius of the Renaissance. The Château de Chambord has been dedicated to the arts from the outset. Molière's Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme was performed there for the first time, in front of Louis XIV in 1670. True to this tradition, the estate has set up a quality cultural program since 2010 (music festival, exhibitions, readings, shows, etc.). The Château de Chambord cannot be dissociated from its natural state, the forest. With its 5,440 hectares and 32 kilometers of surrounding walls, the national estate of Chambord is the largest enclosed park in Europe. Coming to Chambord also means exploring kilometers of hidden paths, admiring preserved landscapes, having the chance to come across wild animals or discovering the magnificent French gardens designed under Louis XIV and completely restored in 2017. Chambord offers many nature activities in the park: equestrian show, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits to the reserve in 4x4, boat trips, on foot or by bike. For lovers of the terroir, come and discover the Chambord vineyards and taste the 500-year-old vintage. Also, don't miss a visit to the vegetable gardens, inspired by permaculture, in the former stables of the château. An opportunity to discover the world of market gardeners and the benefits of this agriculture. In Chambord, everyone can build their day according to their desires.
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Beautiful viewpoint of Chambord Castle.
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After sunset, I heard and then saw a red deer. I filmed it. Unfortunately, it can't be published on Komoot.
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At sunset you can watch wild boar, red deer and roe deer here.
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Chambord Castle will always be magnificent, night and day. We never tire !
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After seven hours we end our excursion in the largest castle in the Loire Valley. The building is more than impressive. It is unimaginable how it was once built and how it was later lived here. The rooms were always used differently and redesigned. Would it take another day to explore the hunting ground? https://youtu.be/woeml4u17Fg
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The most popular castles in the area are the magnificent Chambord Castle, known for its grand Renaissance architecture and double-helix staircase, and Cheverny Castle, famous for its classical style, well-preserved interiors, and connection to Tintin's Moulinsart.
While Bauzy is home to the historic Château de Veillenne, it is a private property and not open to public visits. However, its impressive architecture can still be admired from the road.
Yes, both Chambord Castle and Cheverny Castle are considered family-friendly. Chambord offers vast grounds for exploration and a fascinating interior. Cheverny is particularly popular with families due to its interactive exhibits related to Tintin, beautiful gardens, and the famous hunting dog kennels.
Chambord Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site, commissioned by King François I in 1519, symbolizing the power and wealth of the French monarchy. Cheverny Castle, built in the 17th century, offers a rare insight into aristocratic life, having been continuously inhabited and maintained by the same family for centuries, with its interiors virtually unchanged.
Yes, a good part of the expansive park surrounding Chambord Castle is accessible by bike. The park covers over 5,000 hectares and is home to diverse wildlife, making it ideal for cycling and walking. You can find several cycling routes in the area, including options for gravel biking around Bauzy, which often incorporate views of the castle. For more cycling routes, check out the Gravel biking around Bauzy guide.
Cheverny Castle is renowned for its perfectly preserved 17th-century interiors, including a formal dining room with 34 painted wooden panels depicting Don Quixote and an impressive arms room with a Gobelins tapestry. It's also famously the inspiration for Moulinsart (Marlinspike Hall) in the Tintin comics, with dedicated exhibits. Don't miss the kennels with around 100 hunting dogs and the château's own vineyard.
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. The vast forest park of Chambord Castle is excellent for walks. You can find several hiking trails around Bauzy, including loops that take you through the Forêt de Boulogne or near the castle grounds. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Bauzy guide.
The castles can be visited all year round. However, the period from April to October generally offers pleasant weather for exploring the extensive grounds and parks. During this time, Chambord Castle typically extends its opening hours until 6 p.m.
Yes, there is an Aerial View of the Château de Cheverny highlight, offering a unique perspective of the magnificent castle. While not an aerial view for visitors, it signifies scenic spots where you can appreciate the grandeur of the architecture from a distance.
Chambord Castle is fully developed for tourism, offering amenities such as a bistro and WiFi. Visitors can explore the castle on their own or take a guided tour. There are also shaded areas with tables and benches in the park, and you are welcome to bring your own drinks and provisions.
Absolutely. The natural surroundings of the castles, especially the large park of Chambord, provide excellent opportunities for running. You can find various running loops, including trails within the Forêt de Boulogne and routes that take you through the Chambord Park. Check out the Running Trails around Bauzy guide for specific routes.
Visitors frequently praise the impressive architecture and historical depth of the castles. The sheer scale and intricate design of Chambord Castle, along with its vast park, are highly valued. At Cheverny Castle, the beautifully preserved interiors, the Tintin connection, and the unique experience of the hunting dog kennels are often highlighted as favorites.


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