From there, we spent the following days visiting some of France's most beautiful and renowned castles:
The first was Chateau de Chenonceau which was built on the River Cher in the 16th century. Having switched owners many times along the centuries, it is mostly well known for being home to Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitier (Henry II's Mistress to whom he gave the Chateau), Francois I, and Louise of Lorraine (who painted her room all black after the assassination of her husband King henry III). Most notable (and fun) was the kitchen which was divided into a small maze of rooms which comprised the pantry, dining room, butchery, and a small bridge to the actual kitchen which connected below the castle to a small pier where boats would bring food and supplies. One interesting note about Chenonceau is the fact that the Great Hall was used as a hospital during WWI.
The second was Chateau de Cheverny, which has been owned by the same family for the past 600 years, or 17 generations. Cheverny was a treat as it stood fully furnished. Although the exterior was less impressive than Chenonceau or Chambord, it seemed more manageable and definitively warmer to visit. The Marquis de Vibraye, his wife and their three children still live in the top floor as well as the foremost right side wing. The rest of the castle was fully open to the public to enjoy -- and we did.
Finally, we stopped to see the ridiculously large Chateau Chambord.
Grandiose is an understatement! Almost not worth visiting the inside as it is not only empty and cold but also confusing as its size leaves you going from room to room without really understanding where you are in relation to anything. The most remarkable part of Chambord is definitively the size and complex towers hovering above the massive structure.
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