Chenonceau Castle in Indre-et-Loire is surely among the most majestic of all the Loire castles. Is it because of its famous gallery overlooking the River Cher, its sumptuous interior or its magnificent gardens? It is most certainly all of these at once. This building is a true masterpiece of the Renaissance, embellished by two iconic women: Catherine de' Medici and Diane de Poitiers. The wife and favourite of King Henry II respectively, they developed, managed and protected the castle. For the record, Henry II gave the castle to his mistress, who was driven out when the queen became regent.
First, an avenue of plane trees leads you to the monument's entrance. On either side of this avenue lie the gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. Both are composed of magnificent French-style flowerbeds. The castle is made up of three parts: there is the two-storey main building, decorated with corner turrets, and the grand gallery, 60 metres long, with 18 windows and five arches spanning the river. Then there is the keep, a vestige of an old fortified castle, today known as the Marques Tower.
As you enter the castle, you cannot fail to admire the tasteful decoration. Renaissance furniture, paintings and 16th-century Flemish tapestries adorn the various rooms. Step into the private quarters of the castle's residents and mistresses by visiting the chambers of Francis I, Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de' Medici and the five queens. Discover the green cabinet, the room where the regent used to work. You will then continue to the Francis I and Louis XIV drawing rooms, followed by the kitchens, which are exceptionally well preserved. In this vaulted room, the copperware sparkles next to a monumental fireplace.
Back outside, take a peaceful stroll in the park for an overview of Chenonceau Castle's architecture. Wander around the flower patch or try to find your way out of the maze of 2,000 yew trees.
Sound and light shows take place on summer nights, entitled "In the time of the Ladies of Chenonceau". The site also offers boat rides on the Cher so you can admire the building from close up, and night walks in the gardens.
