Chateau Chenonceau

In the beginning

The first part of the château was built in the 12th century; however, it does not have an elevated bridge over the Cher. The château is now owned by the Marques family. The château was rebuilt in the 15th century, this time on the banks of the Cher.

The new castle

 At the end of the 10th century, the château was purchased by an aristocratic family from Tours, and more specifically by Thomas Bohier, a statesman with close ties to the monarchy. And so it was that Thomas Bohier and his wife, Katherine Briconnet, take on major projectsStarting with the demolition of the former castle, and building the castle as it stands today.

 After the death of Chenonceau's owner, the château was handed over to the king. However, François ^Ist did not undertake any work at Chenonceau. It was during the reign of Henri II's son that things changed.In 1547, he offered the Château de Chenonceau to his beloved Diane de Poitiers.

Le chateau des dames

Diane de Poitiers

 In 1556, Diane de Poitiers decided to build a bridge to enable him to enjoy the gardens and forest on the other side of the Cher. Construction was completed in 1559. Château de Chenonceau Chenonceau was returned to the French crown following the intervention of Catherine de Médicis.

Catherine de Medici

 A few years later, Catherine de Médicis was responsible for the construction of the gardens and the château, and organized events within the château. Finally, she was responsible for the construction of the galleries in 1576, built atop the Pont de Diane, which give the Château de Chenonceau its unique appearance. Catherine de Médicis died in 1598, leaving behind a number of debts and much unfinished work.

Louise de Lorraine

Louise de Lorraine, widow of King Henri III of France, assassinated in 1598, became owner of the château and dressed it in black in response to her grief. For this reason Louise de Lorraine is known as "the white lady of Chenonceau". Following financial difficulties, the château became the property of César de Vendôme and Françoise de Lorraine after the death of Louise de Lorraine.

Marie de Luxembourg

 After further formalities, the château was handed over to the Duchess of Mercoeur, Marie de Luxembourg, who began renovation work in 1603. The Duchess died in 1623. A succession of owners followed, before Louis-Henri de Bourbon Conde sold the estate to farmer-general Claude Dupin in 1733.

 Claude Dupin wife Louise de Fontaine hosted a literary salon at the Château de Chenonceau, where she met leading figures from the Age of Enlightenment, including Rousseau, Montesquieu and Voltaire. The Dupin couple also carried out extensive restoration work, giving Chenonceau its former prestige.

The 19th century

 Chateau Chenonceau undergoes major transformations in the 19th century under the direction of architect Félix Roguet, at the request of new owner Marguerite Wilson, wife of Pelouze. She also installed the Académie des Arts et des Lettres. After many years of work and debts, the château became the property of Crédit Financier. It was then sold to the Terry family, then auctioned in 1913, before being sold to the Menier family. During the First World War, the estate was used as a hospital for soldiers, and was damaged during the Second World War.

The 20th century

The château is currently under the control of the Menier family. Major restoration work was carried out in 2009.