Chenonceau Chateau

candid France tips

 

Why
Chenonceau Chateau
is special

The Chenonceau Chateau is unquestionably the most beautiful of France's many Loire Valley chateaus.

Tips & insights on
Chenonceau Chateau

Two sections

It has two connected sections (see photo). On the left is the original structure. On the right is the 16th century extension built on an arched bridge spanning the Cher River.

Ballroom

This addition houses a 60-meter (200-long) gallery used as a ballroom for lavish parties attended by France's nobility and power elite.

Tour

You can take a tour through the furnished chateau rooms. You see the Louis XIV sitting room, the Francois I bedroom, and the kitchens.

Other attractions

Beyond the building are the Marques Tower, two gardens, and a wax museum. During the evening, you can enjoy a Son et Lumiere light show.

Name

The Chateaux Chenonceau is nicknamed the "Chateau of the Ladies" because it was owned and enhanced by a succession of women of the royal court, including the queen Catherine de Medici.

Which is the
correct spelling,
Chenonceaux Chateau or
Chenonceau Chateau?

I've seen both versions used widely for the chateau in English guidebooks and other media. For the record, Chenonceau Chateau is the official spelling.

However, the Chenonceaux spelling is correct for the small nearby town.

The prevalent explanation for the discrepancy is tied into the French Revolution. Citizens were trying to destroy possessions connected with royalty. Since "X" was a symbol for royalty, the owner of the then named Chateau Chenonceaux dropped the letter "x" as a precautionary measure. It seemed to work as the chateau was saved.

  

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications