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

Bridge across the Loire, note how low the river is.
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
Catherine de Medici evicted Diane on Henri's death and transformed the bridge into an Italian style gallery

Chateau
Chateau

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

Chateau Chenonceau
Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau
Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau
Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau stretches across the river Cher
Chateau Chenonceau stretches across the river Cher

Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II added the gardens and arched bridge over the river
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
Originally a hunting lodge, it was razed in 1519 to make way for the present Chateaux Originally a hunting lodge, it was razed in 1519 to make way for the present Chateau

The skyline of delicate cupolas has been likened to a miniature oriental town
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)
This Florentine style Grande Gallerie was created by Catherine de Medici (1570-76)