This French castle has it all – an ambitious mistress, a vengeful wife, and a king killed in a jousting tournament (by a spear in his eye). King Henry II gave control of Chenonceau to his mistress Diane. When he died, his wife Catherine immediately had Diane booted OUT.
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- The stately entryway to the castle. Can’t you imagine coming in a carriage?
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- Chenonceau’s graceful bridge over the River Cher.
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- The symbol of King Henry II is an H with two interlocking C’s for Catherine. Diane loved that combination, as it also made two letter D’s.
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- King Henry II, who married wealthy Catherine at age 14, clearly preferred Diane as his mistress and trusted confidante.
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- Diane was 20 years older than Henry. She had elaborate beauty routines in an effort to retain her youthful appeal.
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- Catherine de Medici had this imposingly permanent painting of herself installed at the castle. When Henry died, she said, “He was my agony.”
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- Inside the bridge, a space intended for parties.
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- During WWI, over 2,000 soldiers were nursed here when the bridge became a temporary hospital.
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- Mike is willing to castle hop if there is aerobic rowing involved!
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- Diane’s extensive flower garden.
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- Feminine touches in Diane’s garden.
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- Catherine, not to be outdone, created a garden equal in size on the opposite side of the Château.
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- Quite the frame for Louis XIV, who ruled for 72 years. He was the eleventh cousin my marriage to Catherine de Medici.
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- Our own digs at the luxurious Relais and Château.
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- A welcome glass of local sparkling vouvray brut.
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- Poached beef tenderloin that was so tender, no knife was necessary.
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- There are little “wow” scenes like this that caught my eye.
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- Oh, the bread. France, you are a wicked temptress with your incredible bread!
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