Chenonceau

Chenonceau, the most visited and photographed chateau of the Loire Valley could be described as ‘the ladies chateau’ as throughout its history it is they who have most influenced its design and its destiny. Thomas Bohier, in 1512, acquired what was a small fortress by the river Cher and decided to replace it with a Renaissance style chateau leaving only the keep from the original building.

It was his wife Katherine Briconnet who oversaw its build as her husband spent a lot of time away at war and she has left a great legacy. The chateau was later held over to the monarchy to pay-off debts and used by them to stage hunts and festivals. Henri II gave it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers it was she who added the bridge over the Cher as well as the gardens. When Henri died, the Queen, Catherine de' Medici, forced Diane out of Chenonceau (to Chaumont) even though by then she was its legitimate owner. Diane would in fact refuse to live There, and the "Eternally Beautiful" lady of Chenonceau would finish her days in the nearby castle of Anet.

Catherine proceeded to build the gallery and grand ballroom on Diane’s bridge giving the chateau its unique design. It is now one of the more famous chateaux in the Loire Valley due to this unique, river spanning design.

The chateau is reasonably well furnished with Renaissance furniture, a good collection of 16 th and 17 th century tapestries and a great number of masterpieces. Le Primatice, Rubens, Le Tintoret, Rigaud, Nattier are among the most famous names that can be found there.

It survived the revolution due to its then owners being well respected by the local population and because of its strategic position as a crossing of the river Cher. Henri Menier, whose descendants still own the castle, bought it in 1888.

In the First World War, the castle was transformed into a hospital. Madam Menier even nursed the soldiers herself. During the second World War, the castle became a route for the Résistance to enter Vichy France from the occupied territory because the River Cher was the dividing line between occupied and free France.

As you walk the Plane tree lined avenue (after having paid your money) you can see little of the spectacle that awaits you at the end. Depending on the time of year you are greeted with a variety of colourful displays(130K bedding plants are used in summer) that make you stop and stare before taking in the sight you'll have probably seen in pictures many times before but they are nothing compared to the real thing!

The well maintained gardens and grounds are a delight.

There is a good restaurant/café, 'The Orangerie' built in what used to be the stables where you can have a meal or just a coffee to revive you.

There is also a snack bar/creperie located near the ticket office.

It is best not to visit mid-day or mid-afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds and remember to have your driving licence and passport with you if you want to hire their audio equipment.

In France you are required to have these items with you at all times during your visit.