The 17th century Loire Valley castle
The Château de Cheverny is an exceptionally well-preserved estate built by the Hurault family between 1624 and 1630, on the site of an earlier feudal castle. One of the last Loire Valley castles to be built, it follows the classical style popular at the time of Louis XIII. Over the centuries the castle has changed hands but eventually returned to the Hurault family, whose descendants still own and run it today. The family’s art collection includes a variety of Old Master paintings and several remarkable Flemish and Aubusson tapestries. There is also an exceptional collection of period furniture, an antique weapons room, dog kennels and a botanical park. Cheverny served as inspiration for Marlinspike Hall in Hergé’s “The Adventures of Tintin” stories and family-friendly activities include a permanent interactive Tintin exhibition. Situated at the heart of France, the château can be reached in two hours from Paris by train or by car.
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