Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley Travel Guide

Château de Chenonceau, gracefully arching over the River Cher, is a jewel of the Loire Valley, steeped in history and renowned for its exquisite Renaissance architecture. Often called the 'Ladies' Castle' (Château des Dames), Chenonceau's story is interwoven with the powerful women who shaped its destiny.Originally, the estate was mentioned in the 11th century. In the 13th century, it belonged to the Marques family, but was burned in 1412 as punishment for Jean Marques' sedition. Jean Marques rebuilt it in the 1430s. Thomas Bohier purchased the castle in 1513 and constructed a new residence between 1515 and 1521, which was overseen by his wife, Katherine Briçonnet.Over the centuries, Chenonceau has been expanded upon and transformed by influential women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Diane de Poitiers, gifted the château by King Henry II, added a bridge across the Cher River and created elaborate gardens. Catherine de Medici later expanded the castle, adding a gallery atop the bridge. During World War I, the gallery was used as a hospital ward. From 1940 to 1942, the château was on the demarcation line between occupied and free France during World War II.Today, Château de Chenonceau stands as the second most visited castle in France, after Versailles. Visitors can explore the castle's elegant rooms, admire the impressive art collection, and wander through the beautiful gardens. The castle is owned by the Menier family since 1913.