France - Loire day 04 - Chateau Chenonceau Outside

 This is the third Chateau on the site. This one was built between 1515 and 1521. The bridge that goes over the river was built in 1555, commissioned by Diane de Poitiers who was King Henri the second's mistress. The chateau was given to her by him. She wanted a covered bridge to have a great hall for entertaining and a way to cross the river to hunt on the other side. This bridge is what saved it from harm during the French revolution.

The bridge leading to the grounds.

The long structured walk to the chateau.

On the left going to the chateau was a hedge maze.

There is Greek inspired columns off to the side near the maze.

This is a view of the chateau from the gardens that Diane also had made. The tower standing on its own is the remnants of the second chateau that stood on the site.

These are the gardens that Catherine di Medici, Henri's wife, had made after she took over the property and gave Chateau de Chaumont to Diane.

This is the walk up to the chateau after leaving the treeline.

These stables have been converted to washrooms and an excellent cafeteria.

This is a view from the third floor of the main walkway to the chateau.

There are structured pathways on the grounds around the castle.

This cat was sleeping in the scarves in the giftshop.