Chenonceaux
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Chenonceaux is one of the two Loire homes famous for being built by women.  Two women, in fact, who didn't like each other  (just the same man).

This house was started by the king's mistress and finished by his wife after he died and the mistress was thrown out.

What they created is a chateau of intimate spaces attached to a long public hall over the river.  The result is a building that is both impressive to look at and to look out.

To make the looking out more interesting, the chateau has a large formal garden with fountains as well as a network of private paths through the forest.

 

What was particularly memorable, however, was the sight of a mother duck teaching her young how to climb a steeply banked brick wall so they could get out of the moat around the garden.

All in all, a spectacular sight.

The chateau of Chenonceaux briding the river The approach to the chateau reminds on of Disney Looking out over the gardens New statues for the garden Intricate inlaid woodwork One of the many bedrooms One of the kitchens. These are found beneath the hall in the pillars in the river. Enjoying the moat and adding beauty to a beautiful place

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Page created on 02 Aug 2001