Chenonceau Castle – Château de Chenonceau

(Last Update: 12.09.2024) In this text Loire Valley Castles Tour One of the most beautiful castles you can visit while traveling, my favorite castle in this region. Château de Chenonceau – Chenonceau CastleWe will get to know each other together. I am sure you will agree with me when you take a look at the photos of this castle, which deserves special attention with its interesting location, different architecture, delightful gardens and many other details, and of course when you read all the information about the castle.

As location Approximately 240 kilometers from Paris by car away, in the Loire Valley Chenonceaux in the village, Loire Riverparticipating in Cher River Chenonceau Castle, located on AmboiseDue to its proximity to Amboise Castle ve Leonardo da Vinci's House It is a castle that you should definitely include in your tour program. In fact, you should come from Paris for a day just to see this castle; This is such a beautiful, fairytale-like place.

To this day, Chenonceau Castle, the first December 2008in birthday during my trip, the second To see these places in the summer June 2014in, and the third Loire Valley Castlesabout to write to make detailed observations and take photographs. August 2017I went three times, including . So, I have seen both winter and summer of this region and I can say with peace of mind that there is no season to see this castle and other castles in the region; Every time you go, different beauties come to the fore. Of course, each season has its own disadvantages.

We every time Loire Valley Castles' We preferred to travel by private vehicle., this way is - as it is - much more comfortable. For those who do not have a car or do not want to rent a car Of course, it is possible to go to Chenonceau Castle from Paris by train.. For this TCDD of France one SNCFFrom the official website of online train ticket It will be enough to get it.

Here from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz ve Gare Montparnasse The train departs from two different stations, but I tell you: Gare MontparnasseYou can buy tickets for trains departing from near Chenonceaux. Tours'On Saint Pierre des Corps StationTransfer from and take a short trip ChenonceauxI recommend you reach out to . the castle already Train Station ChenonceauxRight next to . If you come this way, it is possible to reach Chenonceau Castle in two hours from Paris.

Of course, in order to be free, you will be much more comfortable if you travel around this region with your own car or by renting a car. There is a large parking lot right at the entrance of Chenonceau Castle. Depending on your itinerary (if the weather is nice), you can even park your car after parking, before starting your castle tour or after your tour. Chenonceaux, where only around 350 people live (schönonso) It is possible to reach the village on foot in two minutes,

Chenonceaux Village is a tiny place, you can take a stroll around if you want, but then you'd better go straight to Chenonceau Castle, because the tour of the castle will be both enjoyable and tiring 😉 After passing through the toll booth, you enter the garden of the castle, which takes you approximately A delightful road, 1 kilometer long, surrounded by giant trees on both sides. waiting. As you walk on this road, the castle begins to appear on the horizon. When we went in winter, the trees were leafless but the place was empty. When we went in summer, it was green but quite crowded. I mean, it's a matter of advantages and disadvantages. Meanwhile, according to official records 850.000 people visit Chenonceau Castle annually. Why wouldn't you be one of them?

When the tree-lined path ends and you enter the main garden from the entrance with sphinxes on both sides, the Chenonceau Castle in front of you looks like a small castle, but its magnificent part will appear before you a little later. The photo you see above on the left Garden of Diane – Jardin de Diane You can see the photo below on the right. Catherine Garden – Jardin de Catherine Yes, they are both beautiful. In the following lines Who is Diane, who is CatherineDon't worry, I will tell you all about it. Because these names have an interesting story 😉

Depending on the weather and your taste, I don't know whether you will visit the garden first or enter the castle directly in front of you, but if you start wandering around the garden, you may get lost and tired in the garden, saying "let me see here, let me see here too" :) That's why I think you should visit the castle first.If you feel like it, you can take a walk in the garden and when you get tired, sit somewhere and rest. The inside of the castle is as beautiful as the outside, don't worry.

When you enter the main building of the castle, it is the first on the right. XIV. Louis Hall is available. From here next door François I HallYou move to; then across the street Diane de Poitiers' bedroom, next to it is the Hall of Protection, which we can call Salle de Gardes there is. There is a magnificent chapel behind Salle de Garde, a Green Room behind Diane de Poitiers' room, and a small library, which is very enjoyable to watch from the window overlooking the Cher River.

Actually, what you need to do after visiting this section is to visit the gallery on this floor, which is the most beautiful part of Chenonceau Castle, but listen to me, leave that part for later; You will understand why later 😉 I think, after visiting the sections I mentioned, you can go down the stairs to the basement and visit the kitchen section. Especially in castles in France kitchen and pantry It is very enjoyable to visit its parts. On the one hand, I watched it as a child Rich and Poor It reminds me of the TV series, and on the one hand, it makes me think about the injustice between people in the world and how, despite all this, even the servant class of that period ate in elegant environments and what kind of etiquette prevailed.

When you go up the stairs to the first floor, if you start visiting the room on the right, the first room is the one you see in the photo above.  Charles de Vendôme's bedroom. From the opposite door of that room, Tuileries GardenThe Queen of France, whose photo you see below, had the Palace built (and of course the Tuileries Palace). Catherine de Medici's bedroom You are entering. Behind this room, there is a small but very beautiful place overlooking the Cher River. study room there.

The room next door is in honor of Catherine de Medici's five sisters, each of whom became queens of France (two full, three half-step). Chambre des Cinq Reines It is called the Five Queen's Chambers. The room opposite him is King IV. Henri's mistress Gabrielle d'EsteréesDedicated to… You know, in Paris Cite Islandin, Pont Neufpark in the middle of Square Vert-Galantwith a statue on a horse while descending to elder statesman (horny goat) Henri IV 🙂 🙂

After finishing the rooms on this floor, you can enter the gallery section that continues towards the river. When I said you can enter, I said don't enter the gallery downstairs right away, but I mean enter the gallery here and have a look :) In this gallery, whose photo you see below, there are periodic exhibitions, and projects, drawings and paintings showing the stages the castle has gone through over time can be examined. It is also very enjoyable to watch the Cher River from the windows of the gallery. At the end of the giant corridor there is a magnificent fireplace, on the pediment of this fireplace two slaves in chains His figure is quite striking.

After completing this floor, it is time to visit the attic. As someone who has always loved attics and gets a mysterious taste from wandering around them, I must say that I also really liked the attic of Chenonceau Castle. Especially the wooden ceiling and ceiling decoration of the hall you reach when you climb the stairs, which you see in the photo below, is extraordinary. The black bedroom on this floor belongs to the King of France III. He lost Henri in an assassination and continues to mourn in this castle. widow queen Louise de Lorraine'belong to. The bedroom was pitch black, but the queen was called La Reine Blanche, meaning the White Queen, because she always wore white as a mourning dress, according to the customs of that period...

Now that we have finished this floor, we can now go to the main gallery on the ground floor 😉 Then, let's go down the stairs and reach the ground floor hall, turn right from there and enter the big gallery. You can see the photo below This corridor, which is 60 meters long and 6 meters wide, is illuminated by 18 windows., overlooking the Cher River from both sides. this gallery Military hospital during World War I It is used as. II. Also during World War When Germany invaded France and France was divided into two, Zone Occupée The Free Zone (Zone Libre) border passes right through the middle of this castle.. In other words, the north side of the castle is Zone Occuppé, and the south side is Zone Libre…

December 2008During our visit to Chenonceau Castle in , we had to turn back from the very end of the gallery, even Noel It was time and there was a huge Christmas tree at the far end. June 2014I didn't go all the way to the end of the gallery during our visit in August 2017, but when we walked to the very end during our visit in August XNUMX, we saw that there were There are two separate doors from here you can access the south side of the castle garden! I think this place is closed in winter, but if that door is open, I strongly recommend you to go out and visit the garden on the other side of the castle. The castle already gives four different photos from all corners of the garden and looks like a dream from all angles.

When you exit the door on this side, you can walk to the right or left to take a good photo, depending on the angle of the sun. On the narrow path, walkers, joggers, bikers, dog walkers, those who enjoy life pass by. You will also see people traveling on pleasure boats or canoes on the river. Although I have never canoeed or boated here, but maybe you can discover where it was rented 😉 Even while watching it, your heart sinks; Maybe I'll try it on my fourth visit 😉

This part of the castle's garden is also beautiful, but I still recommend you to leave your energy to the two gardens at the main entrance of the castle. To do this, you can go back through the door you exited the castle from and reach the main entrance. Then, depending on the weather and the position of the sun, you can either go to the right side. Diane's Gardento or on the left side Catherine's GardenYou can enter and take a look around. Both gardens are beautiful.

If you want to wander around the garden a little more, my suggestion is that you go to the left diagonal after exiting the main gate of the castle. At the back of the landscaped garden is a huge park, orangerie, restaurant, orchard, picnic area, horse carriage exhibition, donkey farm (!) and much more. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy life by wandering among huge trees and beautiful outbuildings. There are several options for eating and drinking in the garden of Chenonceau Castle; If you wish, you can just sit, have a drink and relax.

A nice surprise awaits you on the upper left side of the section where the Diane Garden is located on the right side, that is, on the right side of the tree-lined road opposite: Labyrinth! Here December 2008During my visit to , I noticed the maze at the last minute and had fun like a child while running around in the bushes trying to find my way. June 2014I experienced the same childlike excitement when I went to , but August 2017The last time I went to , I was so tired that I just waved at the maze from a distance :) If you visit here, please take a photo for me in the maze. It would be great, especially if a photo of you was taken while you were jumping out of the maze bushes and that moment of happiness was etched on your face 😉

We had a nice tour of the castle. If you wish, let's talk about the history of this place: The history of Chenonceau Castle dates back to the 1230s. There was a mill around here in those years and this land was Marques FamilyIt belonged to . In 1432, Henry VII. CharlesWith the permission of II Jean Marques built a 50 meter by 55 meter castle here. XV. At the end of the century, the castle passed into the hands of Thomas Bohier, one of the bourgeois of the period. Thomas Bohier and his wife Catherine Briçonnet They demolished most of the old castle and built a new one. The part of the old castle that has survived to the present day is the one whose photo you see below, on the right before entering the main castle. Tour des Marques...

King of France after Thomas Bohier's death in 1524 Francis I, Thomas Bohier evidence of embezzlement Because of this, Bohier's heirs were imposed a very heavy fine, and of course, since the heirs could not pay this fine, the Kingdom of France - in a sense - confiscated the castle and it became royal property! But as far as I understand, Francis I was not very fond of this place. could not enjoy it 😉

of Francis I March 1547death of blood poisoning in wooden son II. Henry past and II. Henri bought this castle June 1547'also beloved mistress Diane de PoitiersHe gave it as a gift to! After settling here, Diane de Poitiers started a large-scale work in the castle. 2 hectares of Diane's Garden It was built during this period and on the other hand, he had the castle, which was then on the north side of the Cher River, connected to the south with a bridge; Thus, the castle underwent its first major transformation to take its current form. Another interesting incident is that Diane de Poitiers, whose bedroom photo you see below, lived in this castle with her lover, King II. Henry and the king's wife, Catherine de MediciI think it should host . I think Catherine de Medici had her eye on this castle at that time 😉

On July 10, 1559, II. Henrywas seriously injured during a horse show tournament in Paris. widow upon death but also because his son who ascended the throne was young. queen mother who reigned on the throne of France for a long time as Catherine de Medici Of course to the king's mistress he thought of a beauty. Still fair He was someone who, instead of putting Diane de Poitiers in front of the door, asked her to sit down with him. Chaumont sur Loire CastleHe gave the money and settled in Chenonceau Castle himself in return…

Catherine de Medici also grew her own garden, that is, Catherine's GardenBut more importantly, he built a gallery-shaped building on the bridge built by Diane de Poitiers, enabling Chenonceau Castle to attain its current form. Since Catherine de Medici's three sons ascended to the throne of France, her reign lasted quite a long time, but as far as I understand, 1589 The year has been a bit sad.

January 1589Catherine de Medici in Blois CastleHe passed away in , and then August 1589king's son in III. Henry Saint CloudHe was assassinated in . As I explained above III. Henri's wife Louise de Lorraine, in this castle he inherited lived his mourning in white… Over time, the crown of France noble families The castle had different owners as it changed hands between the years. 1789 French Revolution The fate of the castle was at great risk during the time, but fortunately it was hard days He managed to get through it.

Chenonceau Castle, owned by the Menier Family since 1913 It has undergone large-scale restoration work several times to date. Of course, the restoration of such a large castle is very costly, and today, this family and the state are covering the expenses, which amount to millions of euros. cultural heritage This is how it reaches today; This is how countries preserve their past and protect their future.

In this way, we finish visiting Chenonceau Castle. Before I came here Chambord Castleand Cheverny CastleI would like to think that you have visited . just nearby Amboise Castle ve Leonardo da Vinci's HouseI definitely recommend you to see it. There is also a small but lovely castle nearby. Montrésor Castle There is, but it's up to your preference. If you have children and the weather is suitable, there are also nearby Loire Valley CastlesWonderful park consisting of models of Mini Châteaux must also be seen. Even if you are childless 😉

around this area for accommodation Of course, there are many options, but the last one is August 2017Where we stayed during our trip in , near Tours Château du VeauI can recommend it with peace of mind. You already have your hotel reservations booking.com If you are one of those who prefer to make your reservations via the banners on this blog, you can contact me when you make your reservations. destek you know you are 😉

Visiting hours of Chenonceau Castle, which is open every day of the year, vary depending on the dates. Visiting hours, entrance fee and other current information of the castle You can review it at the following web address. Knowledge of how you can explore the region and create a program. Loire Valley Castles Tour In his article…

I hope you can live this dream as soon as possible.

Pleasant trips, pleasant discoveries.

Web address: chenonceau.com/en/

Address: 37150 Chenonceaux

Related Article:

• Loire Valley Castles Tour Program

Other Chateaus in the Loire Valley:

• Chambord Castle – Château de Chambord
• Cheverny Castle – Château de Cheverny
• Blois Castle – Château Royal de Blois
• Chaumont sur Loire Castle – Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
• Amboise Castle – Château Royal d'Amboise
• Leonardo da Vinci's House – Le Clos Lucé
• Montresor Castle – Château de Montrésor
• Chinon Castle – Forteresse Royale de Chinon
• Saumur Castle – Château de Saumur

Castles in Paris and Surroundings:

• Louvre Museum – Musée du Louvre
• Palace of Versailles – Château de Versailles
• Vincennes Castle – Château de Vincennes
• Saint Germain Castle – National Archaeological Museum
• Fontainebleau Castle – Château de Fontainebleau
• Chantilly Castle – Château de Chantilly
• Pierrefonds Castle – Château de Pierrefonds
• Compiègne Castle – Château de Compiègne
• Vaux le Vicomte Castle – Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
• La Roche Guyon Castle – Château de la Roche-Guyon
• Castle of Monte Cristo – Château de Monte-Cristo
• Maisons Laffitte Castle – Château de Maisons-Laffitte
• Malmaison Castle – Château de Malmaison