TROIS.
CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU
Last but not least, Chenonceau. This was the very first château we visited in Loire back in 2017, thus holds a special place in my heart. I remember the overwhelming feeling of enchantment as we walked from the ticket entrance, through the tree lined foot path, and the sudden opening of the trees to a picturesque fairytale castle.
We loved everything about Chenonceau, the uniqueness of how this castle sits atop river Cher, an addition expanded by the Queen, Catherine de Medici, daughter of a Duke. History writes that she longed her hometown, Florence, and so brought the architecture of Ponte Vecchio to France.
Exterior views of the bridge in Chenonceau. An addition brought on by Catherine de' Medici.
The gardens are beautiful in Chenonceau, the castle is flanked by two formal gardens. One grand parterre and the other, the queens garden. Naturally, I was keen on the potager garden the most, which was tucked farther away from the castle.
Photographs of the Formal Gardens which flank the castle
Photographs of the Potager Garden
Chenonceau was incredibly busy the last time we went, I'm not sure if we went on an unusual time, but sadly the immense crowd made the castle tour a tad unenjoyable. I am grateful to have toured the chateau twice before in the past to know that it really is a beautiful castle, sans crowds that is. In the end it worked out well for us as we spent more time exploring the grounds and gardens!
An added tip, Chenonceau required a timed reservation. When you set your time, it is a timed entry only to the castle! You can still explore the grounds and gardens before this time.
Photographs of Interior scenes in Chenonceau
Photograph of The Queens Apothecary situated in an exterior building.
