宇宁: France Trip March 2018 Day 3

Day 3 - Chenenceaux
Even though this day has the worst weather, it is the best day for me, on this trip.
This is because the castle is the prettiest out of the 4, and lunch is the best food out of the trip. =)
Today we left the Loire River and venture towards the south to River Cher
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Chenonceau

Chenonceaux - Castle 3 in the visit list
This chateau is called the Chateau of the women as 6 women took care of it over the years.

And it actually housed royalty over the years, which makes it the most complete and elaborate out of all the ones we visited. Probably being designed and decorated by women helps too =)
What is interesting is this chateau is built over water (aka the reflection is stunning) and it's been thoughtfully decorated and built to look good at all angles! And the owners have built gardens on both sides to complete the ability to admire this chateau at various view points!

View of Chateau from Catherine's garden

The castle from Diane's garden

Having just visited Florence in October and learning about the Medici family in Italy, seeing the astuteness of Catherine Medici is very interesting for me.
She is the daughter married to the King of France in a loveless marriage at 17, as a tool to empower and grow the Medici family.
This chateau was given by the king to his mistress Diane who was later forced to give it up to Catherine.

Improvements made to the Chateau over the years

I also see a lot of Italian Renaissance influence in the decoration. So Catherine did love the chateau and brought it to great glory, housing lots of parties and enlarged the chateau to house royalties.

Italian Foyer

2nd floor foyer

Fireplaces in the Chateau, with a distinct Italian Renaiisance influence

I can imagine huge parties held in this banquet room

Elaborate bedroom 1

Elaborate bedroom 2

Did i mention this place is full of absolutely priceless antiques?

Catherine garden from the Chateau

Having feasted our eyes on the chateau, we then had a great meal at the restaurant in the chateau call L'orangeria.

Great lunch at L'orangeria

After lunch, we tried to go visit Clos Luce, which is the chateau of Leonardo Da Vinci for the last 3 years of his life.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clos_Luc%C3%A9
Unfortunately, we were unable to see the Chateau from the entrance without paying, as the gardens are vast and the Chateau is hidden.