Château de Chenonceau, Renaissance castle in Loire Valley, France
Description
Chenonceau is a Renaissance residence in the Loire Valley, known for its gallery built across the River Cher. The three-story bridge structure connects formal gardens on either bank, while the floor plan features symmetrical rooms that face the water.
History
Thomas Bohier purchased the site in 1513 and built the current residence between 1515 and 1521, replacing an old mill but keeping the medieval tower. Later owners expanded the estate with the river gallery and the two gardens.
Culture
The estate displays paintings by Renaissance masters such as Rubens and Primatice, hung in rooms furnished with period tapestries and original woodwork. The interiors reflect the tastes and influences of the women who shaped the residence over centuries.
Practical
The estate opens daily throughout the year, with guided tours in several languages and evening illuminations during summer. Visiting early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the largest crowds.
Did you know?
During World War II, the gallery served as an escape route between Nazi-occupied northern France and the free southern zone. The border ran precisely through the middle of the gallery, allowing secret crossings.
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