Castles (Chateaus) or Bust! Chateau Chenonceau


Originally built in the 15th century, Chateau Chenonceau was destroyed twice before a chamberlain of King Charles VIII of France laid the foundation for what we see today. It passed into the hands of King Francis I for payment of debts owed the crown and upon his death it then passed to King Henry II.

In 1547, King Henry II gifted the chateau to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, an act that pissed off his wife, Catherine de Medici to no end. And you can bet that as soon as Henry was in the grave and barely cold, she happily kicked her rival to the curb.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall....the Chateau Chenonceau is brimming with the echoes of past Royalty: Francis I, King Henry I, Catherine de Medici, Francis II (the first husband to Mary, Queen of Scots), King Henry III and IV and the Duke of Bourbon have all called this beautiful place home. The chateau has also entertained the likes of Voltaire, Rousseau and other leaders of the Enlightenment.

Chenonceau is now privately owned by the Menier family, but is open to the public.

Reflection on the River Cher

Gardens

Catherine de Medici's Bedroom (where's that hole in the floor?)

Diane de Poitier's Bedroom

The Five Queens' Bedroom - named in memory of Catherine de Medici's two daughters and three daughters-in-law: Queen Margot (wife of Henry IV), Elisabeth of Valois (wife of Phillip II of Spain), Mary Stuart (wife to Francis II), Elisabeth of Austria (wife of Charles IX) and Louise of Lorraine (wife of Henry III)

Francois I's Bedroom

Louis XIV Living Room

Louise de Lorraine's Bedroom

The Green Study - where Catherine de Medici ruled from this study when she was Queen Regent to her son, Charles IX.

Dining Room

Pantry

Kitchens

Panoramic photos from www.chenonceau.fromparis.com

Official site for Chateau de Chenonceau.

12 comments:

  1. Psh, that's not a castle! I'd like to see it stand up to a siege! Hehe. It's gorgeous though and I'd still like to visit.

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  2. Ok, now you really got me! Chateau Chenonceau is my Absolute Favorite castle ever!!! Though, I have never seen such beautiful pictures (so many) of it before! I can picture liitle Mary of Scots playing around here and taking care of her Francis when he was ill...ohhh! But- like you- I want to know where that hole is...
    Superfantastic Post!!

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  3. I'm so glad you are doing this series. If we make it to Europe this year as planned, I am getting ideas of some great places to visit!

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  4. Castle or no, it's absolutely lovely! I'd take my chances living there! Super feature.

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  5. This post is absolutely great Amy! One of my faves so far. I'd certainly not turn down a chance to live in it. The pictures of the bedrooms are so beautiful-the richness of color in those days. I would have loved it. I love the kichens, pantry, and dining room-all so amazing. So much more character than now, that's for sure.

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  6. I could just sit and stare at these images for ages! Beautiful. I would like to visit here if I ever get to France again.

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  7. I love the exterior view of the castle (chateau)! I don't know what the official name is for the type of structure, but I love all of the rounded towers. Great post!

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  8. What a beautiful castle - gorgeous photos! I read about this one in Courtesan by Diane Haeger, which is about Diane de Poitiers.

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  9. That is absolutely gorgeous. I have never seen anything quite like it. Thank you for sharing. :)

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  10. I love those intricate ceilings! Wow. It's amazing how much detail they put into everything!

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  11. I'm loving your castle series. This one has always been one of my favorites - so beautiful!

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  12. Of the 8 chateaux my DH and I visited, this was our favorite! There are 2 separate gardens - one for Catherine and one for Diane. During the French Rev, the reason that it didn't get looted or torn apart is that the Lady of the manor had been so good and kind to her villagers (in the town of Chenonceaux) that they prevented any harm or damage to her and the chateau. They have the nicest restaurant of the chateaux we visited.

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