Chenonceau Castle, towering over the waters of the Cher River, is not just a majestic architectural monument. It is a place imbued with the spirit of strong and extraordinary women who have shaped its fate for centuries. It is no coincidence that its second, unofficial name is "Le Château des Dames" (Ladies' Castle). His story is a novel that stretches over hundreds of years. The recognizable look of Chenonceau is created by its unique design. Initially, a fortress stood on this site, but the castle acquired its current appearance in the 16th century. · Main feature: The castle is built right on the bed of the river Cher. Its main part stands on the pillars of the old bridge, which creates the illusion that it is floating above the water. · Long Gallery: The most impressive part of the castle is the gallery built on the bridge. Its length is 60 meters, and the bright, spacious halls with huge windows facing both sides of the river create a sense of lightness and spaciousness. Concerts and exhibitions are often held here today. · Two parts of the castle: Architecturally, the castle can be divided into an "old" part on the shore and a "new" gallery above the river. This solution was not only aesthetic, but also an engineering masterpiece of its time. It was women who gave Chenonceau his grace, luxury and famous atmosphere. 1. Catherine Brissone (1513-1526) She began the reconstruction of the old fortress into an elegant Renaissance castle.It was she who chose the construction site right on the river, which was a bold and innovative decision. 2. Diane de Poitiers (1499-1566) , the favorite of King Henry II, who received the castle as a gift. It was with her that Chenonceau blossomed, literally and figuratively. Diana, who has a fine taste, laid out magnificent gardens near the castle (which still bear her name), began to arrange the park and build a stone bridge over the Cher, replacing the old mill dam. She turned Chenonceau into a place of refined receptions and intellectual conversations. 3. Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589) After the death of Henry II, the Queen Regent forced Diane de Poitiers to exchange Chenonceau for another castle.Catherine continued to decorate the residence. With her, the famous two-story gallery was built over the bridge, which became the center of magnificent celebrations. She also laid out her own garden, competing with Diana's garden. 4. Louise of Lorraine (1553-1601) After the sudden death of her husband, King Henry III, Louise retired to Chenonceau, dressed in mourning white robes (as was then customary for dowager queens) and turned the castle into a place of mourning and solitude. Her room, which has survived to this day, is decorated in black and white, reminding of her eternal sadness. 5. Madame Dupin (1706-1799) In the 18th century, the castle was owned by the enlightened aristocrat Claudine Dupin.She turned Chenonceau into a center of cultural life, where luminaries such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu visited. Thanks to her respect and generosity among the locals, the castle was not damaged during the French Revolution — the peasants came to its defense. 6. The Meunier family In 1913, the castle was bought by the Meunier family of industrialists (known for their chocolate empire). They carefully restored Chenonceau after the damage caused by the 1940 flood, and they still own it, maintaining it in perfect condition and opening it to the public. What's a must see in Chenonceau: · Castle interiors: Diana de Poitiers' Room, Catherine de' Medici's bedroom, a Green Room, a library and, of course, a grand Gallery. All rooms are furnished with authentic furniture and decorated with floral arrangements. · Gardens: The two main gardens are the Garden of Diana de Poitiers (in front of the castle) and the Garden of Catherine de' Medici (more intimate and secluded). They are masterpieces of landscape design. · Park and Farm: Stroll through the vast park, visit the Wax Museum, which tells the story of the "ladies of the castle", and visit the ancient farm of the XVI century. · Labyrinth: Built by order of Catherine de' Medici, the cypress Maze is great entertainment for visitors of all ages. · Night illumination: If you are lucky enough to get to the castle in the evening, you will see a magical sight — Chenonceau, artfully illuminated, reflected in the dark waters of the Cher.

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Александр Бадин

Level 23 Local Expert

A castle for a woman. The owners of the castle were 7 women, until it became the property of the state. A detached tower has been preserved from the original building. You will learn more about the history of the castle after visiting it. There is free parking nearby. The entrance to the castle is based on tickets that are sold at vending machines, the interface is in French, English and Spanish. Take the option of tickets with an audio guide, it is interesting to present information about the castle in the first person. When buying tickets, specify the audio guide in Russian. Getting an audio guide inside the castle, the deposit is a passport or driver's license. Also, take a brochure about the castle in Russian near the ticket offices. Tickets are divided by price into adults and children (under 18 years old), there are also for EU students.

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Светлана З.

Level 17 Local Expert

Chenonceau Castle is included in the list of castles of the Loire, mandatory for tourists to see. It stands on the Cher River. Literally. Part of the castle was built on the bridge.I think it's damp and cold there in winter. Henry II gave this castle to his favorite Diana of Poitiers. The favorite was much older than Henry, but he had loved her since childhood. So, the castle. It is surrounded by flower gardens. Plane trees, fountains, green labyrinths and other delights. The castle is very nice. Wonderful views from the windows, elegant surroundings and lots of fresh bouquets. And a lot of tourists spoiling the whole buzz. You can spend the whole day there to take a quiet walk and feel the atmosphere of antiquity and French chic. But that's if you drive yourself. With the group, you will be taken to other castles included in the program. Amboise and Chambord. There is also a cozy Villandry Castle and others. There are plenty of them there. I advise you not to be lazy and go down to the basement to look at the kitchen. If you are smart, you can take a photo where outsiders are not visible against the background of kitchen utensils. I even saw an eastern ruler with a small harem in the park there. He stared at me. Apparently, I was wondering if I would approach his gurias. But it didn't work out. I still live in a high-rise building in Central Russia.

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