Description
The Loire Valley has a large number of castles, making it a particularly unique place. Each year it attracts thousands of tourists, fascinated by the beauty of the landscape and castles which make the reputation of the region.
Located in the town of Chenonceaux, about 20 miles east of Tours and 7 miles south of Amboise, the Château de Chenonceau is one of the castles commonly called castles of the Loire.
It has been classified as an historical monument since 1840. Furnished and beautifully decorated with tapestries and antique art, it is not for nothing that the castle became the most visited private monument in France, and the second castle which attracts the most visitors after Versailles. It also has an impressive museum collection of paintings by great masters such as Murillo, Tintoretto, Nicolas Poussin, Correggio, Rubens, Primaticcio, Van Loo, and a remarkable collection of Flemish tapestries of the sixteenth century. These authentic works of art give the image of a castle from a fairy tale, so it seems unlikely to find as many rare paintings in one place. That's not counting the beauty of outdoor gardens, landscaped daily and maintained continuously, the greenhouse, and even a vegetable garden. Its harmonious architecture is an expression of universal beauty that every visitor can feel, whatever its original culture.
Remarkable for its architecture and its rich collections, the Chateau de Chenonceau is also remarkable by its unique history. For nearly four hundred years, it has been the domain of many women of nobility from Catherine Briçonnet, which was the first to supervise the construction of the castle in 1531, until Madame Pelouze, which, during the last century, renovated and restored the splendor of the castle. Visitors will find their wax statues and those of other women who lived in the castle, in the building of domes, including the famous Catherine de Medicis, who inspired the fabulous gardens and the sumptuous maze of plants of the castle.
The castle opens its doors to visitors every day of the year, the opening and closing vary only by season.
History
The castle was built by Thomas Bohier for a period of 7 years. A real tragedy of Balzac so to speak.
It is built on a former estate of the family of Marques, sold piece by piece, which Bohier acquired through Jacques de Beaune in 1494 for a few gold crowns. The castle was no longer in good condition, but twenty years passed, and Thomas Bohier finally acquired the property deed at auction.
After only a year, having been built and reconstructed (the castle was completely destroyed except the tower) it was then as we may see it today.
Its history is unusual, since for the roles played by six women of the castle, it was called "the castle of the six women or the ladies'castle, namely : Catherine Briçonnet, the builder, Diane de Poitiers, always beautiful, Catherine de Medicis, the sumptuous, Louise de Lorraine, inconsolable, Madame Dupin, friend of the arts and Madame Pelouzer who loved antiques.
The achievement was made by the architect Peter Trinqueau in 1515. The castle was designed so that it had a rectangular main building, a chapel. Two floord from there stands the gallery of Catherine de Medicis.
Built in a place of sobriety and calm, the old part gives has richer sculptures balustrades and also skylights... Tables are hung and rooms for all these women are then erected.
In 1514, Thomas Bohier obtained seven fiefs that he unified in castellany under Louis XII. Thus, bonds are drawn such that payment of pension of 25 pounds each year.
On the death of Thomas Bohier, King Francis I imposed a heavy fine and demanded his descendants a total of approximately 190,000 livres and confiscated the place in 1535.
This story did not end there, the Dupin family continued work on the castle and bought it in 1773 to the Duke of Bourbon. Then in 1864, after the establishment of the Chenonceaux railways station, Villeneuve sold the castle to Marguerite Pelouze, a rich heiress who had it restored by architect Felix Roguet from 1867 to 1878.
A unique destination
The visit of the castle of Chenonceau is extraordinary.
Indeed, the castle of Chenonceau, in addition to its lavish gardens and parks, contains a multitude of collections of paintings signed by the great masters. They include Rubens, Tintoretto, and others to be discovered by visiting the premises. The imprint of those great masters adorn and decorate the sumptuous rooms, galleries, libraries and even the floors of the castle.
Ideal for family outings, Chenonceau is an exciting place. By frequently changing ownership, the existing layout of the Château de Chenonceau had facilities which permitted to harmonize the medieval and the contemporary spaces. A picnic area for the whole family can be found near the site and a parking lot where the cars are completely safe is also available. You can also enjoy a restaurant in the heart of this magnificent castle.
Visiting castles are not only a beneficial change of scenery to break up the day to day humdrum, but also a means to learn.
In addition, the organization and preparation of visiting castles are not difficult as it was before. Many castles have their websites which provide various information about them. For example, if you wish to get more information about the activities of the castle of Chenonceau, you can go to the site chenonceau.com. You will find news and events happening at the castle and additional information. You can also make reservations in advance.
So do not hesitate to visit these magnificent historical castles.
Website
(Distance < 1 km)
(Distance < 1 km)
(Distance < 1 km)
(Distance < 1 km)
(Distance < 1 km)
