Our first and longest day in the Loire Valley included a canoe trip on the Cher River and a tour of Chateau de Chenonseau. I will remember this day as one of the top ten of our year abroad. Chenonseau is the number one castle to visit in the Loire Valley (and we did go inside this one) and the second most visited behind Versailles.
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| I'm sure that there aren't too many people who get to see the chateau from this angle. |
It was an easy paddle over two small dams which added some excitement. A word on paddling with an OCD partner - DON'T. Actually, I'm not OCD, I just like everything in my life "just so". Lisa, on the other hand, is certifiable :) I decided on this trip that I am a lazy version of Lisa! Anyway, Matt and Jeff are to be commended for their patience and understanding.
We were always smiling, as far as you know! If you are the type of person who believes that there is always a single best way to accomplish anything, then paddling is not your sport. In a canoe, nothing is precise and only the most experienced can read and ride the water well. All of the rest of us see it as a series of steering mistakes.
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| Approaching Chenonceau |
Jeff and I beached one time and all four of us were relieved to have survived the white waters over the dams. I have no pictures, just imagine a HUGE dam :)
I have no idea what this cute little cottage is? It is adjacent to the gardens, so maybe it is a chateau-sized potting shed?
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Raised gardens to protect from
flooding of the River Cher |
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The chateau is built on an original mill site
which explains its location IN the river
rather than beside it. |
Chenonceau was built in the early 1500s and seized by Henry II in lieu of debt owed to the state. Henry then gave the chateau to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. When Henry II died, his wife, Catherine de Midici, rightful owner of the chateau, expelled Diane and moved in. Diane is responsible for adding the arched bridge over the river and the original gardens. Catherine later covered the bridge and added an even more elaborate and bigger garden. One-ups-woman-ship at its best!
This is the original castle keep which is all that remains of the castle and mill from the early 1400s.
