Château de Chenonceau
Bridge over the Cher
The striking Château of Chenonceau spans the river Cher near the village of Chenonceaux about 33km/20.5m east of Tours in the Indre-et-Loire Département.
The main Château next to the right bank of the Cher was built between 1514 -22 over an old fortified mill by Thomas Bohier the Treasurer to François I but the section which so stunningly spans the river was not added till later.
The Château seen from the Jardin de Diane de Poitiers
Sweet Revenge
The 60m/197ft multi-arched bridge, designed by Philibert d l’Orme for Diane de Poiters, King Henry II’s mistress, was added first and later Catherine de Medici, his Queen, emphasised her authority after Henry died by expelling Diane and adding two extra storeys to the bridgeto a design by Jean Bullant.
Don’t Miss: The Jardin de Diane de Poitiers on the right bank of the Cher and don’t forget to get a photo accross the Mirador! (See location map - late afternoon is best)