If you are searching for tickets to the 'Festival des Jardins de la Loire', you have likely found references to an event that officially goes by a different name. The festival that draws garden enthusiasts to the Loire Valley is the International Garden Festival, held on the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a short drive from Blois. Understanding this distinction will help you search for accurate details when booking.
Since 1992, the estate has hosted this annual showcase of contemporary garden design, with around thirty experimental gardens created by landscape architects and designers from around the world. The festival runs from spring through early November, and your admission ticket also grants access to the château and estate grounds. For a broader overview of the event, including what to expect on the day, consult our International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire guide.
Clarifying the Festival's Name and Location
Many visitors look for the 'Festival des Jardins de la Loire', but that is not the name used by the organizers. The official event is called the Festival International des Jardins, translated as the International Garden Festival. Ticket search results may not match your original query, so knowing the correct name helps you find legitimate booking channels.
Note also that the festival does not take place in Blois, although Blois is often the base for visitors. The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is located in the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire, roughly 20 kilometers from Blois. For help building a broader trip around the festival, our Festival des Jardins de la Loire Blois guide covers accommodation and other practicalities.
Ticket Inclusions: Gardens, Château, and Exhibitions
When you purchase an admission ticket, it covers the entire estate: the festival gardens, the historic Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, the stables, and the contemporary art exhibitions that change through the season. The Loire Valley Tickets page states that your castle entry ticket includes access to the garden festival, so no separate garden-only ticket is currently offered.
This inclusive pricing means you can structure your visit to see the grounds and the castle interiors in one day. With roughly thirty experimental gardens spread across the site, plan on at least two to three hours for the gardens alone, plus additional time if you want to tour the château rooms. The duration given in the official listing is around two hours for the festival itself.
Ticket Prices and Categories
Ticket prices for the 2026 edition are set at €21 for a full-price adult ticket that covers the entire domain. Reduced admission of €13 applies to young visitors aged 12 to 18, students, job seekers, and companions of people with reduced mobility. Children aged 6 to 11 pay €6, and those under 6 enter for free, along with visitors with a disability, press card holders, and coach drivers when they present valid proof.
Because prices and eligibility for reductions can change from year to year, always check the organizer’s official website for the current season. For the 2026 edition, the reduced-rate categories are those listed above, but other discounts may apply, so review the details before you buy.
Online Booking vs. On-Site Purchase
Tickets can be purchased online through the official booking portal, which some sources say offers real-time availability and the best rates without commission. The Tours tourist office notes that tickets are dematerialized and are not exchangeable or refundable, so be certain of your date before purchasing.
Buying on-site is possible at the estate’s entrance, but you risk a queue and possibly higher demand during peak times. For popular periods such as weekends and holidays, booking ahead is the safer choice to guarantee entry. Check the official Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire website for the most direct booking link, as third-party resellers may add fees.
Guided Tours and Supplements
For a deeper understanding of the designers’ concepts, a guided tour of the festival gardens is offered as a supplement to the standard entry price. Check the organizer's current ticket information for admission costs, booking fees and eligibility for reduced tickets.
Guided tours are conducted in French and English, according to the official listing. If you are interested in the guided option, confirm the schedule on the day of your visit, as times may vary during the season.
Opening Hours by Season
The festival season for 2026 runs from April 22 to November 1, with opening hours that shift as the days grow shorter. From late April through June, the gates open daily at 10:00 and close at 19:00. In July and August, closing time extends to 20:00, while from September 1 to October 23 you return to 19:00 closing. The final stretch from October 24 to November 1 closes at 18:00.
Always verify the current opening hours before you travel, as schedules can be adjusted for special events or maintenance. The estate may also be open outside the festival season for other activities and exhibitions.
Practical Tips: Duration, Accessibility, and Amenities
Plan a comfortable half-day to see the gardens and the castle without rushing. The official advice suggests a visit duration of about two hours, but many visitors stay longer, especially if they stop at the on-site restaurant or the shop. The estate is open to pets in the park areas as long as they are leashed, but they are not allowed inside the castle.
Accessibility is a priority, as the domain holds the 'Tourisme & Handicap' label, which covers motor, mental, visual, and hearing disabilities. Payment methods on-site include credit cards, cheques, holiday vouchers, cash, and bank transfers. For the most current details on any seasonal extras, such as evening events, check the official website or the local tourist office.
Plan Your Visit
Booking your ticket to the International Garden Festival is straightforward once you know the official name and location. Whether you purchase online or on-site, your admission covers the entire Domaine, so you can spend unhurried hours exploring the gardens and the château.
The festival’s dates and prices are set for the 2026 edition, and details for future seasons will be announced on the organizer’s website. For updates on the broader festival calendar, including other events in France, explore our guide to festivals in France.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tickets for the Chaumont-sur-Loire Garden Festival?
Confirmed prices for future editions may change. Check the organizer's current ticket information for the admission category you need; historical rates are not a current quote.
Is the Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire free?
No, the festival charges admission, and there is no free entry. The standard ticket price covers both the garden festival and the castle. Certain categories, such as children under 6 and people with disabilities, are admitted free.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during weekends and summer months when crowds are largest. The official website offers online tickets, and the process is simple. On-site ticket purchases are possible, but you may face longer lines.
Are guided tours available at the festival?
Tours are offered daily at 14:30 and 16:00 during the festival season, and are conducted in French and English. Check the organizer's current ticket information for the admission category you need; historical rates are not a current quote.
What time does the festival open?
Opening times vary by month: from April to June the estate opens at 10:00 and closes at 19:00; in July and August it closes at 20:00; from September to October 23 it closes at 19:00; and from October 24 to November 1 it closes at 18:00. The estate opens daily.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed in the park and garden areas, but they must be kept on a leash. They are not allowed inside the castle buildings. This policy is common at French heritage sites.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend at least two hours exploring the gardens alone. If you also plan to tour the castle and exhibitions, allow at least three to four hours in total. The official advice suggests a two-hour minimum for the gardens.
