Château de Chenonceau's visitor numbers

The Château de Chenonceau is one of the most visited castles in France, with approximately 800,000 entries per year. Its architecture and unique location above the Cher place it very high in the ranking of the most photographed castles in France.

Photography trends at French castles

A study by the application Popsa notes that Versailles and Chambord are the most photographed castles by smartphones and cameras, given their high visitor numbers. Chenonceau is in third place, while Amboise ranks fifth, largely due to its location above the Loire.

Other notable castles in the rankings

Other castles, including Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Cheverny, and Angers, also appear in the top 20 of this ranking, confirming the position of Indre-et-Loire among the most prominent tourist destinations in the country.

Challenges facing the tourism sector

However, the current situation is not simple, with heatwaves in spring and summer having penalized some actors, such as restaurateurs. The off-season with the upcoming All Saints' Day holidays could relaunch some activities, but the economic context, including the price of gasoline, or demonstrations marked by violence worry some actors, particularly regarding foreign visitors.

Future outlook for the region

By the end of the year, Christmas in the Pays des Châteaux could confirm the region's good health, making Touraine an increasingly popular destination and photographed location. After a year of absence, the Château de Langeais will also return to the itinerary.