The Ladies’ Castle of Chenonceau

Famous for its location on the River Cher in France’s magnificent Loire Valley, evidence of a woman’s touch is evident in every design element and architectural aspect of this unique chateau. When gifted to his mistress Diane de Poitiers by Henry II, the storied improvements began with an extension of the beautiful arched bridge on one side of the castle and buttressed stone terraces creating four separate gardens were built, becoming an all-consuming passion for the next mistress in residence, Catherine de Medici after Diane’s forced exile to Chateau Chaumont. Catherine made a number of improvements suited to her penchant for “talk of the Loire” parties including the first ever fireworks display in the neighborhood which the proud Mama arranged for in order to celebrate her son’s ascension to the throne in 1560 and mark her place in the hierarchy of important mother’s in law for any future queen.

When Catherine died, the chateau passed to her daughter-in-law, Louise of Lorraine for whom it became a refuge after Henri’s assassination and legend has it that the poor woman spent the remaining eleven years of her life wandering the beautiful, sundrenched rooms while she mourned.

Apparently the chateau’s beauty was appreciated by a number of other royal mistresses over the ensuing centuries until the Duke of Bourbon bought it in the early 1700’s and it enjoyed a renaissance under Françoise de Lorraine, the niece of Henry VI mistress (so many Henry’s and all with well kept ladies on the side). Over time, its grand ballroom served as a literary salon for writers of the Enlightenment such as Voltaire and Rousseau…and then again as a hospital during World War I.

Impressive history aside, it’s breathtakingly lovely, easy to get to and imminently strollable.

Call first to reserve your time slot when scheduling a visit

Open 9:30am year round but closing times vary by season so check here to visit website

ADULT: With brochure 15.00 €

Château de Chenonceau
37150 CHENONCEAUX