Chateau de Chenonceau

The Loire Valley is known for its many castles-- there are more than 300. Generations of kings and noblemen were attracted to the area because of the fertile land and mild climate. We took advantage of our time off to visit several of the most beautiful castles the region has to offer. Tours is a great central starting point as many of the chateaux are situated on the banks of the Loire.

Chenonceau is surely one of the most spectacular castles. Constructed over the rushing water of the Cher, this Renaissance era castle also has beautiful gardens, woods, and lush lawns. When Brendan and I visited, the castle was all decked out for Christmas, with bouquets, garlands, and even Christmas trees adorning its many rooms. Unfortunately, winter is the season for restoration, and much of the front of the castle was covered in scaffolding. There is still a magical air about this place, though.

There isn't much more to the town of Chenonceau than its train station.


Two sphinxes stand guard over the castle entrance.


The River Cher runs under the castle. During the WWII occupation, people used the castle to cross the river from Nazi controlled France into the free zone.