On Monday we visited Chenonceau in the Loire Valley. It spans the River Cher and has beautiful gardens. The castle was built in the 16th century. We arrived early and first walked through the gardens in the morning light before entering the beautiful castle, which had beautiful flowers and vegetation from the gardens in every room.
Bottom center; “C” for Catherine on her bedroom ceiling; bottom center, Diane de Poitiers.
Much of the history concerns Henri II of France (son of Francois 1er who led the construction of Chembord), his mistress Diane de Poitiers and his wife Catherine de’ Medici. Diane was the mistress of the castle, but became owner in 1555. However, when Henri died in 1559, Catherine de’ Medici forced Diane to exchange Chenonceau for Chateau Chaumont. Henri had married Catherine as a teenager and became a mistress of Diane around the same time (Diane was also his advisor and mentor).
We also looked at the science wing and the pharmacy…the science wing was largely dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci and his inventions (more on that tomorrow). Da Vinci, Diane and Catherine were all true members of the Renaissance era, with great education and curiosity.
The castle is currently owned by the Menier family (famous for their chocolates.
After a quick lunch (a picnic in the car with a baguette of course and for me a French carrot salad which I love), we drove to Villandry with a beautiful castle and fantastic gardens. It was purchased by a Spaniard, Joaquim Carvallo and his American wife, Ann Coleman (the 13th child but still heiress to the Coleman fortune) who spent her fortune renovating the castle and grounds in Renaissance style. The Carvallo family still owns Villandry. The gardens are spectacular, geometrically laid out in both the ornamental and vegetable gardens. There is a pond behind the gardens.
#Chenonceau #Villandry #Loire #Castle #Day