The Domain
Since its acquisition by the Centre Region in 2007 during the transfer of State heritage to regional authorities, the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire has developed rapidly, both in terms of the increase in visitor numbers and the growth in its national and international reputation, which makes the Domain a "stand-out" location on the Loire Valley châteaux circuit.The site's new "three-fold identity" comprises a major historic and heritage site – the Château –, new trends in global landscape design – the International Garden Festival – and in contemporary design – the Centre of Arts and Nature as well as special commissions created on site. And this three-fold identity of the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire – heritage, art and gardens – makes it a unique place to visit on the Loire châteaux circuit; experts now consider it to be the largest indoor and outdoor art centre in France.The site's new "three-fold identity" comprises a major historic and heritage site – the Château –, new trends in global landscape design – the International Garden Festival – and in contemporary design – the Centre of Arts and Nature as well as special commissions created on site. siècle, il connaît une intense période de rayonnement et de fêtes avec la Princesse de Broglie, dernière propriétaire privée du Domaine qui fit notamment ériger de luxueuses écuries et la ferme modèle du Domaine. Acheté par l’État en 1938, le Château resta monument national jusqu’en 2007, année où, dans le cadre des transferts du patrimoine d’État aux collectivités territoriales, la Région Centre-Val de Loire s’en porte acquéreur. Devenu, dès lors, Domaine régional de Chaumont-sur- Loire, il connaît depuis un très fort développement. Dominant la Loire et entouré de parcs paysagers d’un seul tenant, il compte aujourd’hui parmi les châteaux de la Loire les plus beaux et les plus meublés.
Cultural Encounter Centre
The Domaine régional de Chaumont-sur-Loire brings together three entities that form a unique project combining contemporary art, garden art and heritage. Every year, the Centre for Arts and Nature invites internationally renowned artists, visual artists and photographers to create new and original works on the theme of nature, "in situ" in the château, the stables and the farm buildings, or "in natura" in the heart of the Estate's Parks. The International Garden Festival presents an astonishing panorama of landscape design around the world. Since 1992, more than 800 gardens have been created, prototypes of the gardens of tomorrow. The Château, overlooking the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, illustrates the defensive architecture of the Gothic period and the pleasure architecture of the Renaissance, and is enriched every year with collections of rare furniture and objects.
The missions of the Domaine Régional de Chaumont-sur-Loire are defined in the statutes of the EPCC and specified in a multi-year agreement on objectives and resources signed with the Centre-Val de Loire Region, owner of the Estate. The institution's project is drawn up by its Director, Chantal Colleu-Dumond, who defines its main lines and priorities and provides its artistic and operational direction. The Estate is open to the public 363 days a year. These activities are organised around several areas. First and foremost is the Centre for Arts and Nature, whose programme is devoted more particularly to in situ installations and photographic works on the theme of nature. Each year, 10 artists of international renown, or whose work is still little known, take over the rooms of the Château, its farm and its park. This annual programme is complemented by special commissions from major artists, who today include Sarkis, Jannis Kounellis, Gabriel Orozco and Sheila Hicks. The Gardens area covers the programme of the International Garden Festival, the creation of permanent gardens, and the upkeep and enhancement of the historic park. The heritage area is devoted to the ongoing enhancement, furnishing and fitting out of its Château. Around each of these areas, the Estate runs educational and outreach activities and carries out important work on the quality of visitor welcome. The Estate is also a renowned Training Centre for the design, landscaping and upkeep of parks and gardens. The commercial side of its activity is based on the operation of 5 restaurants, including a gastronomic restaurant, and two shops. Finally, the Estate is responsible for the upkeep of its buildings. All these missions are carried out each time in a quest for excellence that is its hallmark.
Since its creation, the Domaine Régional de Chaumont-sur-Loire has undergone very strong development, both through rising visitor numbers and through its growing national and international reputation. Its triple identity, made up of the major heritage site that is the château, of the new trends in world landscape design with the International Garden Festival, and of contemporary creation with the Centre for Arts and Nature, has profoundly transformed the Estate, establishing it as a place dedicated to creation, imagination, poetry and nature. This new dimension, together with the many major works launched as soon as the buildings were acquired, has created a strong momentum. The constant concern to improve the quality of visitor welcome has enabled the Estate to receive numerous important labels and awards: “Remarkable Garden”, “Remarkable Trees”, “Qualité Tourisme” and, since 2018, “3 stars” in the Michelin guide for the Estate as a whole. The International Garden Festival was crowned “Festival of the Year 2014” by the North American Garden Tourism Conference.
Board of Directors
President : Jérôme Clément
Director: Chantal Colleu-Dumond
Representatives of the Centre-Val de Loire Region
- Delphine Benassy, 5The site's new "three-fold identity" comprises a major historic and heritage site – the Château –, new trends in global landscape design – the International Garden Festival – and in contemporary design – the Centre of Arts and Nature as well as special commissions created on site. In addition, it has a number of certifications including:
- Michèle Bonthoux, Regional Councillor
- Karine Gloanec Maurin, Regional Councillor
- Pierre-Alain Roiron, Regional Councillor
- Nicolas Forissier, Regional Councillor
- Marine Bardet, Regional Councillor
and has received 3 Michelin stars as a cultural event.
- Baptiste Marseault, Mayor of Chaumont-sur-Loire
th
- Philippe Gouet, President of the Loir-et-Cher Departmental Council
The Domain invites the most highly acclaimed artists from around the world who explore and bring out the unique link between art and nature for the enjoyment of its visitors.
- Christophe DegruelleThe Domain invites the most highly acclaimed artists from around the world who explore and bring out the unique link between art and nature for the enjoyment of its visitors.
The Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire offers a "comprehensive experience" "of immersion in a cohesive and outstanding location", an example of "French sophistication", available to everyone and respectful of its visitors and the environment.
- Jean-Pierre Le DantecCome and enjoy an unforgettable experience in Chaumont-sur-Loire, in a landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Coline Serreau, film-maker
- Jérôme Clément, former President of Arte
- Bernard Latarjet, former President of the ACCR
Staff representative of the E.P.C.C
- Julien Fuseau, full member, and Rémy Varlet, substitute