Château de Chaumont

Château de Chaumont was built by Odo I, Count of Blois around 970. The name derives from the French 'chauve mont', meaning 'bald hill'. Today the Château de Chaumont is a museum. It hosts every year the International Garden Festival (April-October) where contemporary garden designers display their work in an English-style garden.

The castle has a long, interesting history and has known many well-known owners, such as the historic Catharine de Medici. The Queen acquired it in 1560, where she received many astrologers such as the famous Nostradamus. After the death of her husband Henry II in 1559, she forced his mistress Diana de Poitiers to exchange the castle for Château de Chenonceau. The latter was a gift from Henry to his mistress.

In 1875 the sugar heiress Marie-Charlotte Say acquired Chaumont and married the same year the prince Amédée de Broglie. They restored the castle, including the commission of elegant stables and replanting the park in English-style. The princess donated the castle to the state in 1938.

For more detailed information concerning history, visits and cultural events, see website.