Château de Chenonceau, Renaissance castle in Loire Valley, France
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location: Chenonceaux
Location: Civray-de-Touraine
Location: Francueil
Inception: 1411
Architects: Philibert de l'Orme, Katherine Briçonnet
Website: https://chenonceau.com
GPS coordinates: 47.32500,1.07060
Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01
France's historical architecture documents two millennia of construction, from Roman amphitheaters to modern bridge engineering. The structures demonstrate developments in engineering and architecture across multiple periods. The heritage extends from medieval fortifications like Carcassonne and the Fortress of Salses through Gothic cathedrals such as Notre-Dame de Paris and Amiens Cathedral to Renaissance châteaux including Chambord and Chenonceau. Roman engineering persists in the Pont du Gard and the Arena of Nîmes, while the Papal Palace in Avignon and Sainte-Chapelle illustrate medieval political and religious authority. The Loire Valley châteaux and fortified structures like Bonaguil and Pierrefonds demonstrate defensive architecture and aristocratic living. The 20th century brought new perspectives with Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye, a defining work of modern architecture. The Millau Viaduct represents contemporary engineering achievement. Pilgrimage sites like the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-d'Auray and Mont Saint Michel Abbey combine religious significance with architectural skill. These structures provide insight into French history, construction traditions and technical innovation through the centuries.
The Loire Valley has castles built between the 15th and 17th centuries. They show the history of the French Renaissance and the classical period. These royal and noble homes tell stories of how people lived and built during those times. You can see carved staircases, water galleries, moats, defensive towers, and parks with geometric designs. Some castles like Chambord or Chenonceau are large and bold in design. Others, like Azay-le-Rideau or Villandry, are charming for their natural settings and restored gardens. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in Amboise. In Blois, four different building styles appear one after another. Loches has a medieval tower. Each place offers a different view of how kings, queens, and noble families lived and shaped this region.
The Loire Valley features Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance châteaux and medieval squares. From Saint-Gatien Cathedral to Château de Chenonceau, each location displays architectural details: towers, stone walls, decorated facades and geometric gardens. The city of Tours combines half-timbered houses, bridges over the Loire, religious buildings and public squares with century-old trees. Saint-Gatien Cathedral rises with its two towers and stained glass windows from the 13th century in the heart of Tours. Château de Chenonceau spans the Cher River with its galleries and French gardens. Place Plumereau in the historic center is surrounded by medieval houses with wooden beams. The Loire châteaux such as Amboise, Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau offer photographs of white stone facades, towers and terraced gardens. The banks of the Loire reveal sandy beaches, old stone bridges and vineyards stretching along the river.
La Bélandre
1.4 km
Prieuré de Montoussan
8.7 km
Plage de Montrichard
8.7 km
Église Saint-Christophe
6 km
Pierre Saint-Martin
8 km
Château de Civray-de-Touraine
1.7 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-Nanteuil de Montrichard
8.1 km
Église Saint-Aignan d'Épeigné-les-Bois
5.8 km
Ferme de Cours
8.1 km
Saint Peter church of Chisseaux
2 km
Bléré plage
6 km
Moulin des Aigremonts
6.1 km
Église Saint-Germain de Civray-de-Touraine
1.8 km
Église Saint-Georges de Saint-Georges-sur-Cher
4.1 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Chenonceaux
726 m
Chenonceau Maze
343 m
Église Saint-Thibault de Francueil
1.6 km
Église Sainte-Luce de Luzillé
7 km
Chapelle de Seigne
5.6 km
Église Saint-Saturnin de Chissay-en-Touraine
4.8 km
Saint Albinus church
8.6 km
Chapelle - Château de Chenonceau
14 m
Église Sainte-Croix de Montrichard
8.9 km
Tour de Montrichard
8.8 km
House at 22 Rue nationale in Montrichard
8.8 km
Maison de garde-barrière
706 m
Maison des Pages
766 m
Le Belvédère
6 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes