The next château we visited was Chenonceau. This castle was built over the River Cher; it literally crosses the river like a bridge. The original manor was owned by a private residence, but was acquired by King Henry II as a gift for his mistress Diane de Poitiers. She had the arched bridge constructed, joining the château to its opposite bank. She then oversaw the planting of extensive flower and vegetable gardens along with a variety of fruit trees. Set along the banks of the river, but buttressed from flooding by stone terraces, the exquisite gardens were laid out in four triangles.

The queen Catherine de Medici always wanted that château, and after Henry’s death in 1559, she tricked Diane into trading Chenonceau for Château Chaumont, a drafty, dank castle where Diane only lived a short while. Queen Catherine then made Chenonceau her own favorite residence, adding a new series of gardens. She also added new features to the building, such as the grand gallery, which was built on top of the bridge Diane had constructed earlier.

Because of the rivalry between Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, this castle is known as the Chateau of the Ladies. It is the most popular château in this valley.

One interesting thing about this castle: the kitchen was built in one of the supporting pillars in the river. Usually kitchens were built in structures outside the castles in case of fires, so this castle was unusual for its time.

Another interesting tidbit of information: The mistress of the king was not called this "mistress". She was called his "favorite". Diane de Poitiers was 20 years older than King Henry II, but they say when she died in her late 60s, she looked like she was in her 30s. The queen has all the rights of power, but usually does not hold her husbands affection. This was the case with Catherine de Medici. She was madly in love with her husband, but King Henry II was madly in love with Diane. They say that is why she took back Chenonceau after Henry died.