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