Château de Nitray

Overview

Château de Nitray is a beautifully preserved 15th-century castle nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley. It offers a glimpse into the region's rich history with its well-maintained gardens and interior furnishings.

The castle is a fine example of medieval architecture and has been well-preserved, offering valuable insights into the lives of the nobility in the 15th century.

Castle Historical Site Garden

Location

Address

69 Rue du Château, Athée-sur-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire

Neighborhood: Historical Center

Coordinates

47.293000, 1.057000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Admission

Adults

12€

Children

8€ (ages 6-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild, pleasant

• tulips and daffodils in bloom
• gardens in full bloom

summer

warm to hot

• extended opening hours
• outdoor performances

autumn

cool, crisp

• fall foliage
• harvest displays

winter

cold, sometimes rainy

• holiday lights
• festive decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Check opening hours
Wear comfortable shoes
Carry a map

What to Bring

essential

ID tickets comfortable shoes

seasonal

jacket umbrella scarf

not allowed

large bags drones pets (except guide dogs)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low to moderate (some walking and stairs)

• uneven surfaces
• stairs in some areas

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

credit cards, debit cards, cash (Euros)

Currency

Euros

Typical Costs

entry 12€ (adults), 8€ (children)

parking 5€

guided tour 20€

cafe 10-15€

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes, no flip-flops, inappropriate clothing, high heels

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks for peak season, same day for off-season
• official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 24 hours in advance for refund
• available online

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

Bike rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Château de Nitray Official App

Size: 75 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide in multiple languages, Ticket booking, Event calendar, Augmented Reality (AR) features

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Garden terraces

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Tours Loire Valley Airport (TUF)

Distance: 30 km

Travel Time: 35 minutes

taxi

50-60€ 35 min

public_transport

5-10€ 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 15 km

train

5-8€ 20 min

bus

2-3€ 30 min

taxi

25-30€ 15 min

bicycle

1 hour

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: A symbol of the region's rich history and a peaceful retreat from city life

Historical Significance: The castle played a role in the French Wars of Religion and has been home to several notable families

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning for a quiet experience
The best views of the castle are from the gardens
Local markets nearby offer delicious regional produce

Local Recommendations

• Try local Touraine wines at the castle's cafe
• Ask for guide Jean, he knows the history inside out
• Visit the nearby Saint-Martial Church

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Bonjour

thank_you Merci

where_is Où est

how_much Combien

beautiful Beau/Belle

ticket Billet

Guide Languages: French, English, Spanish, German

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour (late afternoon)

Tips: Capture the castle's facade with the surrounding gardens

Result: Stunning shot of the castle in warm light

#chateaudenitray #loirevalley #frenchcastles

Gardens

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Experiment with different angles to capture the symmetry and beauty of the gardens

Result: Vibrant photos of the castle's well-maintained gardens

#castlegardens #frenchgardens #loirevalley

Tower viewpoints

Best Time: Late afternoon

Tips: Panoramic shots of the surrounding countryside

Result: Breathtaking views of the Loire Valley

#loireview #frenchcountryside #castleview

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, gardens, exteriors of the castle

prohibited areas interiors of the castle, exhibition areas, private areas

flash photography not allowed in indoor spaces

commercial photography permit needed for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without prior authorization

tripod policy allowed in outdoor areas with permission, not allowed indoors

selfie sticks allowed, but be mindful of other visitors

Nearby Attractions

Saint-Martial Church

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Religious Site

Loire River Banks

Distance: 800m

Walking: 12 min

Type: Scenic Spot

Tours