Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Château de Chenonceau
GREG GAWLOWSKI
This architectural fantasy land is largely the work of several remarkable women
(hence its alternative name, Le Château des Dames: 'Ladies' Château'). The initial
phase of construction started in 1515 for Thomas Bohier, a court minister of King
Charles VIII, although much of the work and design was actually overseen by his
wife, Katherine Briçonnet.
Chenonceau had a heyday under the aristocratic Madame Dupin, who made the
château a centre of fashionable 18th-century society and attracted guests including
Voltaire and Rousseau (the latter tutored her son).
The
pièce de resistance
is the 60m-long window-lined
Grande Gallerie
spanning
the Cher, scene of many a wild party hosted by Catherine de Médicis or Madame
Dupin.
In July and August the illuminated château and grounds are open for the
Prom-
enade Nocturne
(adult/child €5/free).
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