Chenonceau Castle

The Château de Chenonceau, known as the Ladies’ Château, is one of the Loire Valley’s most beloved landmarks, gracefully arching over the River Cher. It entered the royal domain under François I in the 16th century and soon became a stage for power, beauty, and rivalry. Henri II offered it to his influential favorite, Diane de Poitiers, who developed its elegant surroundings, until Catherine de Medici seized it upon the king’s death, making it her own and adding the château’s most iconic feature: the two-level gallery spanning the river, a breathtaking feat of Renaissance architecture.

Inside, the château reflects centuries of grandeur and refinement. Though much of its original furniture has changed, the rooms house an exceptional art collection with works by Murillo, Poussin, Rubens, Le Corrège, and Van Dyck, a treasure trove that speaks to its role as both a royal residence and a literary salon during the Enlightenment. Every space is steeped in stories of power, taste, and cultural sophistication.

The gardens are a perfect expression of the château’s grace. Visitors can explore the French formal Garden of Diane de Poitiers, floating in symmetry along the riverbank, and the refined Italianate garden of Catherine de Medici. Stroll through the English-style park, lose yourself in the Italian Maze, or enjoy the tranquil vegetable garden, each one offering a living, breathing extension of Chenonceau’s timeless charm.