Château de Chenonceau

Whether or not you visit the Chateau de Chenonceau, I highly recommend taking a short walk around the area to the opposite bank of the Cher and the castle grounds, where you can see (and photograph) this iconic French castle under a unique and amazing angle that you cannot discover from the castle walls.

Bonus recommendation - if you really want to experience the castle in a unique and exciting way - hire a boat, kayak or canoe down the river and paddle through the iconic arches and under the castle.

Chenonceau Castle is a castle whose construction dates back to the 15th century. The architectural gem is particularly renowned for its two-storey gallery overlooking the Cher.

The castle is also famous for having been built, fitted out and transformed by women. Katherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Médicis and Louise de Lorraine are just some of the women who took part in this major heritage project.

Since 1840, the Château de Chenonceau has been classified as a historical monument. Its visit, paying, is possible by the right bank. If you simply want to delight your pupils, you can take the forest paths along the Cher on the left bank for free.

More information on the Château de Chenonceau: chenonceau.com.

Also, an SNCF station serves the Château de Chenonceau.

In the 16th century, Thomas Bohier and his wife Katherine Briçonnet built the castle of Chenonceau over the Cher, destroying the castle and the fortified mill of the Marquis family, leaving only the keep: the Marques Tower, renamed in Renaissance style tags.
In the 16th century, the castle came into the possession of the French crown. Diane de Poitiers shaped the appearance of the castle through extensions, as did her successor, Catherine de Medici, to whom the complex owes its famous gallery.