Château de Chaumont

The origins of the castle date back to the 10th century when Count Odo I of Blois had a fortress built here to protect his lands. Over the centuries, ownership changed hands several times until it passed to the Amboise family in the 11th century, who held the estate for about 500 years. In the 12th century, the complex was rebuilt after a destruction and was the scene of a historic meeting between Henry II of England and Thomas Becket in 1170. In the 15th century, the castle was razed by Louis XI because Pierre d'Amboise had participated in a conspiracy. After his rehabilitation, he was allowed to rebuild the castle, a process that took over three generations and combined military and early Renaissance elements. Around 1560, Catherine de' Medici acquired the estate and banished her rival Diane de Poitiers there. In the 18th century, the north wing was demolished to open up the view of the Loire. After the French Revolution, which the castle survived thanks to its manufactories, it temporarily served as an exile for Madame de Staël. In the late 19th century, it was extensively restored by the de Broglie family and transformed into a luxurious residence before being acquired by the French state in 1938.

The Château de Chaumont is located in Chaumont-sur-Loire in the Loir-et-Cher department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 97 meters above sea level, offering extensive views over the Loire Valley.

Visitors can tour the castle today. It has been restored and is open to the public, offering insight into its eventful history and various architectural periods.

• Château de Montrichard (castle), approx. 15.1 km away
• Château du Gué-Péan (castle), approx. 17.7 km away
• Château de Montpoupon (castle), approx. 25.4 km away
• Manor house Bauregard (manor and estate), approx. 25.5 km away