A plane tree-lined avenue leads to the elegant Chateau de Chenonceau

Bridge across the Loire, note how low the river is.

Catherine de Medici evicted Diane on Henri's death and transformed the bridge into an Italian style gallery

Chateau

Chateau Chambord, the Loire Valley's largest residence; it was the creation of Francois I

Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau stretches across the river Cher

Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II added the gardens and arched bridge over the river

Originally a hunting lodge, it was razed in 1519 to make way for the present Chateaux

The skyline of delicate cupolas has been likened to a miniature oriental town

This Florentine style Grande Gallerie was created by Catherine de Medici (1570-76)