1. France 2017

Chateau de Chenonceau

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  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Entrance_750_1922

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau__750_1938

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Moat_750_1927

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Moat_750_1928

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_River_750_1931

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    1547 Henry II's mistress, Diane of Poitiers, falls in love with Chenonceau. Diane is the widow of the Count of Brézé, the Grand Seneschal of France and is twenty years Henry's senior. Henry gives Diane the castle as a sign of his love. She officially takes ownership in 1555. 1551 While at Chenonceau, Diane is made the Duchess of Valentinois and becomes one of the most influential women in France. Her success assured her of many enemies, the most formidable of which was the Queen, Catherine de Medici, who envied her influence over the young King and the affairs of the France. 1552 Henry II and his court visit Diane at Chenonceau. The castle is a fully functioning estate at this point with Diane of Poitiers as it's ruler. Numerous artists took up residence at Chenonceau during this period. The parties and events (balls, tilting at the ring, stag hunting) were never-ending and legend. 1555 As legal owner Diane embarks on an expansion of Chenonceau. The castle is enlarged to span the river Cher. Chenonceau bedroom1559 King Henri II is fatally injured by Montgomery, the Captain of the Scottish guards, during a sporting event. His widow, the long simmering, Catherine de Medici, demands that Chenonceau be returned to the crown. Diane is banished to Chaumont. Chenonceau remains a vibrant estate under Catherine de Medici's rule. 1563 The gardens are transformed and redesigned under the guidance of Bernard Palissy. 1576 The grand courtyard is built. 1577 In May, the grand gallery of the castle is inaugurated. The reception with its songs, dances, and theater remains the climax of the golden era of Chenonceau. 1733 Claude Dupin, a squire descended from the Berry family, buys the castle of Chenonceau from the Duke of Bourbon. Among the visitors to the chateau during this period are Voltaire, Fontenelle, Marivaux, Montesquieu, Buffon and Rousseau. The Dupin's are much loved by the peasants of the region.

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Gardens_750_1946

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Gardens_750_1948

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_flowers_750_1949

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Garden_Vertical_Format_750_1950

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_River_Reflection_750_1954

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Ground_Keeper_750_1925

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Moat_Bridge_750_1953

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Moat_Bridge_750_1959

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_side_750_1962

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Guard_Tower_750_1964

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    To build the Chateau de Chenonceau on the River Cher in the 16th Century, Thomas Bohier demolished the fortified castle and mill belonging to the Marques family and left standing just the Marques Tower. The Tower was restored in Renaissance style. The layout of the forecourt is a copy of the former medieval fortress surrounded by moats.

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Guard_Tower_750_1975

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_River_750_1976

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Entrance_Door_750_1978

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Crest_750_1979

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Interior_ceiling_750_1980

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_entrance_Hallway_750_1982

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Fireplace_750_1984

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_royal_Bedroom_750_1985

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Flowers_750_1951

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_ceiling_750_1987

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Fireplace_750_1988

  • Chateau de Chenonceau

    Chateau de Chenonceau

    04212017_Chateau_Chenonceau_Walls_750_1989

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