Chateau de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux

Protected and loved by prominent women in Renaissance history, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médici, Chateau de Chenonceau, is the second most visited château in France, other than the Royal Palace of Versailles. French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme designed the castle and built it on the site of an old mill on the River Cher in the 11th century. The château later saw renovations during the 16th century due to its destruction in the 15th century.

All of its gardens and grounds are open for you to explore, including the castle's architectural mixture of late Gothic and early Renaissance. Old masters’ paintings, as well as an extremely rare selection of Flanders Tapestries from the 16th century, comprise the art collection. Visit Catherine de Médicis’ bedroom to view the recently restored Corrège’s painting on wood, "L’Education de l’Amour." Put Chateau de Chenonceau at the forefront of your travel plans using our Chenonceaux online trip itinerary builder.