Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a large park surrounding a historic castle that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Loire River. The grounds feature extensive gardens, 19th-century stables, walking paths, and rotating art installations set among tree-lined spaces and open lawns.
The castle was built in the 15th century as a fortress to watch over and defend the Loire Valley. In the 16th century, Catherine de Medici purchased the estate and renovated it extensively, then it passed to Diane de Poitiers, which brought further major changes to the architecture.
The name comes from the Latin term 'Calvus Mons', meaning 'bald mountain'. The d'Amboise family shaped the estate over centuries, leaving their mark on its design and character. Today, visitors can see how different periods and tastes influenced the castle, its gardens, and the way people move through the space.
The site is easily accessible by train, with the nearest station about 800 meters away, and it has bike paths for cyclists. Parking is available on-site, paths are accessible for people with mobility limitations, and picnic areas are scattered throughout the grounds.
The 19th-century stables were among the most modern in Europe, equipped with running water and heating systems. These buildings still impress today with their forward-thinking design and show how advanced animal care had become during that period.
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