Château de Cheverny

Cheverny is a château built in 1634 for the Hurault family. It is smaller than Blois and Chambord and more interesting to tour because it still has its 17th-century decorations and furnishings. The Hurault family has carefully preserved their inheritance with its exquisite painted woodwork, tapestries, and furniture—in fact Cheverny is one of the most magnificently furnished châteaux in the Loire. One can also tour the acres of park by electric cart or by boat traveling the canals. Cheverny is also famous for its kennels. The grounds are home to 70 hounds and watching them patiently line up for dinner is a popular event. (Feedings: Apr to mid-Sep except Sat and Sun 5 pm, otherwise 3 pm except Tues and weekends.) In another outbuilding is a collection of 2,000 deer antlers, the family’s hunting trophies. (Open all year, tel: 02.54.79.96.29.)