Our ‘Get to Know’ blog series gives you an in-depth look at the people, places and activities that make educational tours amazing. Today’s post features the Château de Chenonceau, one of the most beautiful landmarks in France, and a destination available on our popular Paris & the Loire Valley tour – just one of our high school tours to France.
Also known as Le Château des Dames, or Ladies House, this 11th century castle has had a long and varied life, distinguished by some of France’s most powerful queens and mistresses. Peer into their bedrooms, many of which are still intact despite their inhabitants having lived here centuries apart. Canopied beds, period tableware and manicured gardens are just a few of the marks the Chenonceau women left behind.
King Henry II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, was the first female head of the castle, and her gardens still stand the test of time. The acres of fruit trees arranged in triangular landscape designs survived the mistress who was ousted by the King’s widow, Catherine de’ Medici, after his death. Later, Catherine de’ Medici brought fame to the chateau by holding the first fireworks display in France over its drawbridge.
But the Palace of Romance did have some dark days. Upon Catherine’s death in 1589, Chenonceau went to her daughter-in-law, Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont. After learning of her husband King Henry III’s assassination, Louise added her somber touch by hanging dark tapestries embroidered with skulls and crossbones. Things looked up in the 18th century when the lady of the house, Madame Louise Dupin, entertained members of the Enlightenment the likes of Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau making it a gorgeous artist’s salon.
The Madame also had good fortune to save the Castle from the destruction of the Revolution. Monarchs or revolutionaries, the women of Le Château des Dames did have one thing in common—they all collected masterpieces. Rare works by Rubens, Le Tintoret and Nattier can all be seen on display in the castle. See if you share their taste!