Château Chenonceau

Chenonceau is the most visited castle in France after Versailles — and for many visitors, the most beautiful of all. Its unique feature: The elegant gallery of the castle spans the Cher River on five arches and is picturesquely reflected in the water. This image is world-famous and adorns countless travel guides and calendars.

Chenonceau is often referred to as the "Château des Dames" (Castle of the Ladies) because its history was shaped by six extraordinary women. Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henry II, laid out the famous gardens. After Henry's death, his wife Catherine de Medici expelled Diane and had the iconic gallery built over the Cher. During World War I, the Menier family, the owners, set up a hospital in the castle. During World War II, the demarcation line ran right through the Cher — the castle served as an escape route to the free zone.

The interiors are lavishly furnished: Flemish tapestries, Renaissance furniture, an impressive art collection with works by Rubens, Murillo, and Le Corrège. The kitchen on the ground floor with its massive fireplaces and view of the river is atmospherically unique.

The gardens are masterfully designed: the geometric garden of Diane de Poitiers, the more intimate garden of Catherine de Medici, a maze of 2,000 yews, and a newer flower garden. In spring, thousands of tulips bloom here, in summer roses and lavender.