Chenonceau encapsulates feminine gracefulness, from its delicate and pristine silhouette down to its lavishly decorated interior. It is also called the “Ladies’ Château” because it won the hearts of a number of women, who became quite devoted to it. It is a Renaissance masterpiece with priceless collections of art, immaculately preserved rooms and flower gardens that guarantee an enchanting visit.
A Renaissance masterpiece, the Château of Chenonceau is a stunning sight with its white walls and curved turrets. It boasts an elegant, feminine style that reveals the architectural influence on it by renowned Ladies of the past.
The keep and well testify to the original medieval structure, which was pulled down in the 16th century by the Secretary General of Finance to King Francis I, Thomas Bohier. He built the current building on the foundations of an old fortified mill on the banks of the river. The square section containing accommodation was unusual for this period, with the rooms laid out on either side of a central hall and accessed by an angular staircase, directly inspired by Venetian Palaces. The unique design was repeated a few years later when Catherine de’ Medici built a two-floor gallery on the bridge spanning the Cher River.
The interior of the Château reveals all the splendour of the time, while the rich furnishings and decoration from room to room are enchanting. The rooms have been so well restored that at times they give the impression that time has simply stopped. The room belonging to Louise of Lorraine is a fine example, where the sepulchral decor testifies to the mourning of Henry III’s wife who spent her final years hidden away here in this black-walled room filled with funeral items. While walking along the majestic Medici Gallery, it is easy to imagine ladies’ robes swirling over the checked floor during grand Court parties. The kitchens, which nestle in the bridge’s piers, have also been strikingly restored and you can almost smell the aroma of cooking pots wafting through the dining room, slaughterhouse, food storehouse and kitchen containing numerous period items. The period decor in each of the rooms makes a visit to the château all the more interesting. The whole estate cultivates the art of detail and refinement.
The park and gardens are immaculately designed, with the circular labyrinth, climbing roses in the Diane de Poitiers garden, flower parterres in the Catherine de’ Medici garden and the Flower Garden which testifies to the French tradition of garden design. Alleys of orange trees, shrubs and swathes of flowers offer a perfect setting for a stroll, in particular during one of the night-time walks organised to a gentle accompaniment of music. Alongside these incredible gardens are the Coach gallery with its collection of horse-drawn carriages dating from the late 18th to the early 19th centuries, and the Gallery of Domes containing souvenirs of the Military Hospital housed in Chenonceau during the First World War.
The keep and well testify to the original medieval structure, which was pulled down in the 16th century by the Secretary General of Finance to King Francis I, Thomas Bohier. He built the current building on the foundations of an old fortified mill on the banks of the river. The square section containing accommodation was unusual for this period, with the rooms laid out on either side of a central hall and accessed by an angular staircase, directly inspired by Venetian Palaces. The unique design was repeated a few years later when Catherine de’ Medici built a two-floor gallery on the bridge spanning the Cher River.
The interior of the Château reveals all the splendour of the time, while the rich furnishings and decoration from room to room are enchanting. The rooms have been so well restored that at times they give the impression that time has simply stopped. The room belonging to Louise of Lorraine is a fine example, where the sepulchral decor testifies to the mourning of Henry III’s wife who spent her final years hidden away here in this black-walled room filled with funeral items. While walking along the majestic Medici Gallery, it is easy to imagine ladies’ robes swirling over the checked floor during grand Court parties. The kitchens, which nestle in the bridge’s piers, have also been strikingly restored and you can almost smell the aroma of cooking pots wafting through the dining room, slaughterhouse, food storehouse and kitchen containing numerous period items. The period decor in each of the rooms makes a visit to the château all the more interesting. The whole estate cultivates the art of detail and refinement.
The park and gardens are immaculately designed, with the circular labyrinth, climbing roses in the Diane de Poitiers garden, flower parterres in the Catherine de’ Medici garden and the Flower Garden which testifies to the French tradition of garden design. Alleys of orange trees, shrubs and swathes of flowers offer a perfect setting for a stroll, in particular during one of the night-time walks organised to a gentle accompaniment of music. Alongside these incredible gardens are the Coach gallery with its collection of horse-drawn carriages dating from the late 18th to the early 19th centuries, and the Gallery of Domes containing souvenirs of the Military Hospital housed in Chenonceau during the First World War.
Not to be missed
The Château-Museum
The splendour of Chenonceau is unveiled through its sumptuous Renaissance furniture, Flemish tapestries and collections of works by great artists embellishing the château walls. This exceptional museum collection is a priceless treasure that the château preserves with the greatest care.
News from the château
Actualité
Événement
Start
Practical information
CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU
Château of Chenonceau
Château de Chenonceau
37150, CHENONCEAUX
France
+ prices
From € 15.5 / person
Your journey