Thoroughly Modern Mimi

       The Loire Valley is just two hours from Paris and abounds with a wealth of historic chateaux.   Seems the former French royalty discovered this enchanting area made a perfect getaway.  I was ready to join them, even if that meant taking a bus tour.

Laura and I were in Paris so we hopped aboard a bus at 7:15 am, which drove off with about 20 other tourists.  We had two knowledgeable guides who most fortunately understood the need to nap enroute.

First stop was Chateau de Chenonceau which sits not just on the banks but directly over the River Cher.  Chenonceau is often referred to as the ladies chateau as the designers and owners were women.

Upon entering the grounds we walked down a long, sun-dappled tree covered pathway coming to two lion statues acting as sentinels at the gates. Then, we passed the Marques Tower, the oldest standing building remaining from the original fortress built in 1432.  It is exactly what I imagine Rapunzel’s tower in fairy tales to look like.

Our guide led us into the main stone castle through the original wooden doors. This section was built in 1513 but sold to King Francois I in 1535 to pay debts. In 1547 Henri II presented it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Diane loved the chateau and put her feminine touches on the property.

However, when Henri died, the queen (Catherine de Medici) took revenge and forced Diane to take Chaumont (another chateau) in exchange.  In the end, the rivals between these two women created the galleried bridge, the chateau’s most famous feature.  Diane designed and installed a small lower bridge.  Catherine then redesigned a large extension above and thus, the chateau over the river came to be.

Paintings, tapestries, original furniture and other period pieces are scattered throughout the rooms.  Visitors see the guardroom, chapel, bedroom of Diane de Poitiers, and Catherine de Medici’s bedroom.  I found it easy to imagine dancing in the open ballroom of the gallery over the water. The view from the windows was tranquil and calming.

Also we saw Francois I bedroom with a portrait of Diane, a famous staircase and the five queens’ bedroom- used by Catherine de Medici’s two daughters and three daughters-in-law.  Louise of Lorraine’s bedroom on the top floor was decorated in somber black and white for mourning after King Henri III’s death.  She became known as the white queen joining the nuns in white who always surrounded her.

I took this photo of Laura in the upper window balcony because I thought she looked like a princess smiling down on her subjects.

We spent a few minutes in the gardens: one a copy of Diane’s garden, the other is Catherine’s.  Beautiful flowers were blooming and gorgeous arrangements decorated each room in the chateau. Laura and I were disappointed to miss the maze.

Chenonceau is highly recommended.  I would definitely return to this elegant chateau and spend an entire day.  We didn’t have time to take a boat ride on the Cher, which would have made a terrific photo-op.  Also missed the wax museum featuring exquisite period costuming.  The lunch area seemed lovely and goodness, more time to stroll the grounds would have been appreciated.  Most assuredly, if ever possible, I would return at night when the chateau and grounds are illuminated.

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