Chenonceau...a castle on the river.
Written: Dec 19 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easily accessible, interesting features
Cons: not as grand as other chateau, but just as pleasing.
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| bardicbliss's Full Review: Loire Valley |
While driving through the Loire Valley for our honeymoon, my husband and I visited several of the regions most famous chateau, but it was Chenonceau we found the most beautiful.
It is not a large castle by any means, but is has some very original features. It was inhabited by many women, most notably King Henry's mistress Diane de Portiers, who was evicted by his wife Catherine de Medici upon her husband's death. The gardens flanking either side were designed by the two former ladies, each with its own uniqueness.
Inside the castle there are many interesting features we did not get the priviledge of seeing on other chateau tours. Within the basement area of this dwelling are original pots and pans, stone ovens, and shelves that give a feeling of a time gone by.
The chateau itself spans the River Cher. The wing crossing the river has a long, beautiful ballroom on one level, and on another level this wing houses a museum of modern day art. I believe that on the third level there used to be a nunnery, but tourists are not permitted up to that floor.
Another interesting part of this castle is the little door that leads down from the basement and directly into the river, as the river runs directly under the building. It is said that this was the means by which servants brought food and goods into the chateau and even Diane, King Henry's mistress, would use this door as a way to take occasional swims in the river.
About 1/2 mile down the road from the chateau's entrance, we stayed at a little hotel called La Roserie. What a wonderful experience! We were on a budget, and thought it would break the bank staying somewhere like this, but, in the end, for 2 full meals, a bottle of wine, and a night stay in a very charming room(large by French standards), our total came to only $65 (370 francs). If you are planning a trip through the Loire, let this be a place where you stop to get a good night's rest and explore the castle first thing in the morning. You will not be disappointed!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bardicbliss
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Member: Melissah Kibbie
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 0 members
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