France
Chenonceaux
Chenonceaux
Above: The château at Chenonceaux was built in the 1520s and was the home of first Diane de Poitiers
and then Catherine de Medicis, respectively the lover and wife of France's King Henry II.
This château can be found in the Loire River Valley, which is one of the most enjoyable of all French
regions. Defensive fortresses were thrown up in this area in the 9th century to fend off marauding
Vikings, and were superseded by whimsical pleasure palaces as this area became the playground of
nobles who spent fortunes turning it into a neighborhood of lavish châteaux. The result is a rich
concentration of architectural treasures that are great to explore. This region of France is a UNESCO
World Heritage site.
and then Catherine de Medicis, respectively the lover and wife of France's King Henry II.
This château can be found in the Loire River Valley, which is one of the most enjoyable of all French
regions. Defensive fortresses were thrown up in this area in the 9th century to fend off marauding
Vikings, and were superseded by whimsical pleasure palaces as this area became the playground of
nobles who spent fortunes turning it into a neighborhood of lavish châteaux. The result is a rich
concentration of architectural treasures that are great to explore. This region of France is a UNESCO
World Heritage site.
Above: Arguably the best in the Loire River Valley, the 16th-century château in Chenonceaux has a
stylised moat, drawbridge, towers, turrets and vast park. It is how a fairy-tale castle should be!
stylised moat, drawbridge, towers, turrets and vast park. It is how a fairy-tale castle should be!
Above: The château at Chenonceaux is unique in that it straddles the river. While it offers numerous
gorgeous rooms of tapestries, paintings and furniture, the views of the river are a definite highlight.
gorgeous rooms of tapestries, paintings and furniture, the views of the river are a definite highlight.
Above: One of the many beautiful gardens surrounding the château.
Above: I thought that my carriage houses in Cleveland were impressive...I stand corrected!