Tours
Price €229
Min age 4
Rating 4.91 / 5 [303 ratings]
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Travel bucket list idea:
Chenonceaux, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Chenonceau is widely known as the ‘ladies’ chateau’, owing to the succession of extraordinary women integral to its history.
Built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, it was given by Henri II to his mistress, the legendary beauty Diane de Poitiers, before his widow Catherine de Médicis grabbed it back after his death.
It was then inherited by Louise de Lorraine, wife of Henry III, the third son of Catherine of Medicis. After Henry III’s assassination, a traumatised Louise de Lorraine turned to prayer, becoming known as ‘the white lady of Chenonceau’. Last, but not least, it was saved during the French Revolution by then-owner Madame Dupin, who managed to reason with the mob.
The Loire’s most visited chateau can feel overrun, yet remains magical for the sheer ingenuity of its spanning the River Cher, for its fine late Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and for outstanding collections of furniture and art.
The nearest station is Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, which is 400m from the ticket office. There is plentiful parking if you are driving.
Guided tours are available in 18 languages, including English. No booking is required. The chateau has a restaurant, a crêperie and tearoom onsite for refreshments.
The chateau is open all year round, seven days a week.
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