The Château of Chenonceau

History of Chenonceau
Must-sees
The gardens
FAQ

THE CHÂTEAU OF CHENONCEAU: THE “LADIES’ CHÂTEAU”

The Château of Chenonceau is a Renaissance masterpiece with stunning white facades and curvaceous turrets. From its immaculately delicate exterior to its richly decorated interiors, it exemplifies feminine grace, and not without reason! Behind this sumptuous building lies the story of not one but several women who were all passionately devoted to the place. Welcome to the “Ladies’ Château”!

THE CHÂTEAU OF CHENONCEAU: A TALE OF MASTERPIECES

Vue du Chateau de Chenonceau depuis le canoe

With its inestimable collections of art, perfectly preserved rooms and floral gardens, the Château of Chenonceau guarantees a magical visit. Its elegant and feminine style testifies to the influential impact of the great ladies of the past on its unique architecture. Standing literally in the river, the Château of Chenonceau is a fascinating architectural ensemble. The 16th-century square corps de logis sits perfectly between the keep – a legacy of its medieval origins – and the stunning two-storey gallery built by Catherine de’ Medici on the bridge that spans the river Cher.

The Château of Chenonceau was acquired by the crown during the reign of Francis I, and was given by Henry II to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. When the king died, Queen Catherine de’ Medici forced her rival to leave the château and took the place for herself. Here, she ruled the kingdom from the famous Green Room. Catherine bequeathed the château to her daughter-in-law Louise of Lorraine who shut herself away in it when her husband King Henry III was assassinated. Saved during the French Revolution by Louise Dupin, Chenonceau was restored in popular opinion by hosting a literary salon during the Enlightenment. During the First World War, the château’s owner, Gaston Menier, decided to house a military hospital in it, where more than 2,250 soldiers were treated. During the Second World War, the château’s great gallery became a gateway to the free zone that was used by many people seeking to flee the occupied zone. The Château of Chenonceau has been open to the public since 1913 and is one of the most visited sites in France today.

Image du Chateau de Chenonceau - Hopital militaire — D. Couineau – Château de Chenonceau

VISITING THE CHÂTEAU OF CHENONCEAU

MUST-SEES AT THE CHÂTEAU OF CHENONCEAU

The splendour of the Château of Chenonceau can be seen in its rich Renaissance furniture, Flanders tapestries and the paintings by great masters that adorn its walls. Murillo, Poussin, Rubens, Le Corrège, Van Dyck… This exceptional museum collection is like a preciously guarded treasure. As you wander from room to room, you will be captivated by the rich furnishings and stunning bouquets composed by the château’s flower specialists. The rooms seem so well preserved that you almost feel like time has come to a standstill! The Bedchamber of Louise of Lorraine is particularly remarkable with its sepulchral decor, as is the majestic Medici’ Gallery that spans the river. Nestled in the piers of the bridge, the kitchens have been recreated with striking realism… You can almost smell the aromas from the cooking pots filling the room!

Image d'un Salon au chateau de Chenonceau — Image de Marc

Visiteur dans l'apothicairerie du Chateau de Chenonceau — French Wanderers

EXPLORE THE MAGNIFICENT GARDENS OF THE CHÂTEAU OF CHENONCEAU

Vue du Chateau de Chenonceau depuis les jardins — French Wanderers

The whole estate cultivates the art of detail and refinement, including the perfectly aligned parks and gardens. The 12,000m² Diane de Poitiers Garden appears to almost float on the water and is one of the finest examples of Renaissance gardens. Stroll along its paths and raised terraces before sauntering over to the floral parterres in the Catherine de’ Medici’ Garden that grace the elegant oval pond.

These two exquisite spaces are complemented by the Russell Page tribute garden, which is adorned with sculptures, and the Green Garden, a large English-style park. Don’t miss a visit to the château’s plant maze or the amazing “Flower Kitchen Garden”, which supplies the hundreds of varieties used to create the magnificent flower arrangements in the château. Last but not least, children will love the Musical Garden, where they can play intriguing animal xylophones and drum turrets!

Chateau de Chenonceau vue du ciel — Lezbroz – Teddy Verneuil

FAQ

Are there places to eat at the Château of Chenonceau?

In the Domes building, “Le Snack” is open every day and has a terrace and a large room in the former royal stables. There is also a Kiosk where you can buy refreshments at any time during your visit and several outdoor picnic areas, notably along the moat.