| Location | Chenonceaux, Loire Valley, France (Google Maps) |
| Open for Visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | Menier family |
| Official Website | Château de Chenonceau |
| Rooms Available | Yes (Filming, Events) |
Situated on the River Cher in the picturesque Loire Valley, the Château de Chenonceau is one of France’s most popular tourist attractions.
History
Château de Chenonceau was originally built over the River Cher in the 11th century. The castle, in its original form, was built in the form of a simple château of the Marques family that was eventually burned to the ground by order of the French king in 1412. Jean Marques managed to rebuild the castle two decades later. However, his heir decided to sell the castle to the nobleman from Normandy, Thomas Bohier, in 1513. Thomas chose to raze all the buildings and created a third castle that has survived today.
The castle’s reconstruction began between 1515 and 1522, with all the moats, dojos, gardens, and residence quarters created in the most authentic Renaissance style of the 16th century. From the moment it was built, the beauty and unique style of the castle attracted royalty and nobles from all around Europe.
Many Kings of France visited the castle, as did rulers of Germany and England. Following the death of King Henry II in a jousting tournament in 1559 on the Château de Chenonceau grounds, his wife Catherine de Medici demanded that the castle must be handed into her possession. Under her rule, the castle was expanded with a new style of gardens. The grand courtyard and the grand gallery were also completed during that time.
After the golden age of the Château de Chenonceau castle under the command of Catherine de Medici, the castle went through several more owners. Claude Dupin and Louise Dupin purchased the castle in 1733. Louise used her home to host a literary salon attended by Enlightenment thinkers, including renowned writers Voltaire and Montesquieu and the naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. The philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau worked as Louise’s secretary and tutored her son. Louise Dupin prevented the château’s destruction during the French Revolution by emphasizing its utility as a bridge.
The French businessman Henri Menier purchased Château de Chenonceau in 1913. Henri’s brother, Gaston, transformed the château into a military hospital during World War I. During World War II, the château’s bridge served as an escape route from the Nazi-occupied side of the river to the free side until the Germans occupied it. The restoration of Château de Chenonceau started in 1951 under the leadership of the Menier family. Bernard Voisin, an architect, managed to restore the entire castle, including the main building, interiors, gardens, vineyards, and other surrounding buildings.
Architecture
The architecture of Château de Chenonceau exemplifies the transition between late Gothic and Renaissance styles. The fairytale-like Château de Chenonceau has undergone many stylistic changes throughout its long history. Under Katherine Briçonnet’s guidance, the château was rebuilt in the early 16th century in late Gothic style and featured a turreted pavilion, tower, and monumental entrance.
It also featured a straight staircase which was rare in those times. Diane de Poitiers updated the château during the French Renaissance and created formal gardens across three acres. When Catherine de Medici took over, she brought the Italian Renaissance influence to the château from her native. She added enamelled tiles, chimneys, and a series of windows across the grand gallery. Louise Dupin changed the Château in a way that reflected the purpose of art and conversation. For example, she added a theatre to the end of the gallery.
The Château de Chenonceau interior includes the dungeon, also known as Tour des Marques, the oldest structure on the property and the only surviving evidence of the Château de Chenonceau’s first inhabitants, the Marques family. Both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici contributed significantly to the spectacular formal French gardens that you can still tour today. The gardens feature grey Santolina shrubs beautifully arranged in intricate curls. The most recognisable feature of the Château is the bridge that spans the River Cher and the gallery that tops the bridge.
Movie Features
Mary, Queen of Scots (1971)– Château de Chenonceau is featured in the Biography- Drama movie about Mary Queen of Scots during the sixteenth century. The movie portrays over two decades of religious and political conflict between Mary with her cousin, the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I of England, amidst political intrigue in her native land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Château de Chenonceau built?
The Château de Chenonceau property was integrated into the Royal Estate to pay off debts owed to the monarchy.
Who built the Château de Chenonceau?
In 1512, when Thomas Bohier acquired the then-small fortress, his wife, Katherine Briconnet, oversaw its transformation into the grand Renaissance-style castle we know today called Château de Chenonceau.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!
You Might Also Be Interested In
Nitesh Kucchal
Nitesh Kuchhal, an IIM Calcutta graduate, is more than an educator—he's a mentor. With a passion for leadership and entrepreneurship, and travel. He has explored over 20 countries. Beyond teaching, he dives into psychology and discusses social issues. Though he is not a history expert, he enjoys learning about it through books, adding a historical touch to his many interests.
