This guided tour of the Château de Chenonceau tells the fascinating story of a jewel of the Renaissance.
Indeed, recognizable among all Loire castles with its famous two-storey gallery overlooking the Cher, the Chenonceau castle is one of the architectural jewels of the Loire Valley. Also known as the“château des dames”This majestic estate owes a great deal to the extraordinary women who have protected, managed and loved it. Thus, this guided tour of Chenonceau castle with a private guide will tell you the romantic story of this 100% feminine château.
First with Diane de Poitiers: a favorite at Chenonceau castle
The death of Francis 1st in 1547, that’Henry II decides to give Chenonceau to his favorite : Diane de Poitiers. She carried out a number of lengthy and important projects, including the development of the garden that today bears her name, and the construction of a bridge linking the château to the left bank of the Cher river. Unfortunately, Henri II was unable to inaugurate the new building with his mistress. He was mortally wounded during a tournament in 1559.
Then with Catherine de Médicis: a queen at Chenonceau castle
Immediately after the death of her husband, the queen Catherine de Medici forced Diane de Poitiers to hand over Chenonceau. From her study there, she ruled the Kingdom of France. It was the Queen's turn to carry out major works. She began by creating her own garden, then ordered the transformation of the Diane bridge by adding two superimposed galleries. As a result, this unique reception area gives the château Chenonceau its current appearance.
Then Louise de Lorraine The White Lady of Chenonceau
January 5, 1589, Catherine de Medici dies in Château de Blois and 7 months later his son, the king Henry III, who was assassinated in Saint-Cloud. The Chenonceau castle is then given to Louise de Lorraine, wife of the late king. An inconsolable widow, she settled into mourning at the château and became the “White Lady of Chenonceau”. From then on, she clad her residence in black and mournful motifs, still visible today.
Last but not least, Louise Dupin, Madame Pelouze and the Menier family ...
This guided tour of Chenonceau castle will reveal how the feminine imprint, present everywhere, preserved it from conflict and war to make it a place of peace, charm and romance.