Chenonceau Castle – France’s magnificent “floating” palace

Of the numerous palaces in France’s Loire Valley, Chenonceau Castle is the most famous and most visited.

This is probably due to its unique architecture – because a large part of the building spans directly over a river. And ever since it was built, it has been women who have determined the fortunes of the house.

One of the most impressive castles in France is located near the small French town of Chenonceaux in the Loire Valley. We are talking about Chenonceau Castle, a magnificent building more than 500 years old, whose unique architecture makes it the most visited castle in France after Versailles. Because a large part of the magnificent palace is enthroned directly over a river.

According to the town’s official website, another palace originally stood in its place as early as the 12th century. Then, between the years 1513-17, a man named Thomas Bohier and his wife Catherine Briconnet had the first version of Chenonceau Castle built. At the time, no one could have guessed that a little later a centuries-long era would begin in which women in particular would determine the fate of the place.

The women’s castle

Chenonceau Castle is therefore also affectionately nicknamed “the castle of women”. Catherine Briconnet was only the first in a long list. While her husband was often at war, she oversaw the construction work on their new home. The chateau later fell to the French crown and King Henry II bequeathed it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers in 1535. It was she who laid the foundation stone for the spectacular appearance of the building today.

Diane had a bridge built directly next to Chenonceau Castle, which to this day spans the River Cher. But it was another woman who was to complete her work and make the magnificent palace one of the most magnificent in the world. Because after Henry’s death, his wife Catharina de Medici took over the house in 1559 and banished the unpopular concubine Diane from the castle. And further embellished it himself.

Legendary Festivals

Specifically, according to “Experience Loire”, she had the 60-meter-long gallery with ballroom set up on Diane’s bridge, which today amazes visitors in particular. Catharina had lavish parties celebrated at Chenonceau Castle, according to “European Traveller” the first fireworks in France ever took place here in 1560.

But the power of Chenonceau Castle dwindled at the latest with the death of Catharina, and so the place lost more and more of its political importance. So it happened that many of the works of art that Catharina had collected were sold and are now in Versailles. It wasn’t until the 18th century that a little of the old splendor was to return – again inspired by a woman, of course.

A time of enlightenment and humanity

This time it was the highly educated Louise Dupin, also known as the “Lady of Enlightenment” according to the website of the Château de Chenonceau. She invited the greatest thinkers to her palace, France’s brightest minds of the time went in and out of her place. Among others, they were Montesquieu and Voltaire, Jean Jacques Rousseau even made them his personal secretary. He has written about his time at the castle in many of his works. It is also thanks to Lady Dupin that Chenonceau Castle was not destroyed during the French Revolution.

In 1913, the magnificent palace opened its doors to visitors for the first time in its history. However, the new owners, the Menier family, soon converted Chenonceau Castle into a military hospital when the First World War came. While Gaston Menier paid all the costs out of his own pocket, it was his daughter Simone who lovingly cared for the more than 2,000 wounded who found room in the 120 beds until the end of the war.

Protection from the Nazis

Chenonceau Castle also played an important role during the Second World War. At that time, the Cher River marked the border between free and Nazi-occupied France. Whoever crossed it escaped, at least for the time being, from being pursued by Hitler’s henchmen. And with the blessing of the Menier family, so many people were saved because they crossed the Cher via the legendary Schloss Bridge. Even today you can pass the river by walking across the water through the gallery.

Although Chenonceau Castle may no longer have any political significance, it remains one of the most impressive sites in France. Surrounded by magnificent parks, one can imagine within its walls the unprecedented luxury in which its owners once lived. Paintings by immortal artists such as Rubens and Tintoretto still hang in the most important rooms, the bedrooms of the lady of the house.

You can also visit other rooms such as a chapel, the old kitchens and the restored military hospital. The castle is open every day of the year, even on public holidays. Admission is not cheap at up to 19 euros for an adult. Nevertheless, Chenonceau Castle is the most visited palace in the entire Loire Valley. Advance online reservations are currently required to visit the palace interiors.