Attractions and Places To See around Chédigny - Top 20

Did you know: During the First World War, the castle was converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers by its owner, Simonne Menier (of the Menier chocolate family). – Long rows of camp beds lined the large gallery above the Cher River. – More than 2,000 wounded were reportedly cared for within the castle walls. A bizarre contrast: the ornate Renaissance halls as a place for bandages, operations, and recovery.

The donjon is a residential tower or defensive tower of a medieval castle in the French cultural area. The donjon is 36 meters high, has a square floor plan, and is characterized by an excellent state of preservation. It was probably built by Fulk III of Anjou in the 11th century. In the 15th century, the fortress was converted into a royal prison by Louis XI. It houses the cells of Philippe de Commynes, Cardinal Balue, and the Duke of Milan, who spent his time painting murals. In 1801, Napoleon I transferred the state prison to the department. The donjon was used as a prison until 1926. In any case, it is an impressive complex, as is the entire town of Loches, which is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

The Cher River bike path is fun. However, in some places it's more of a single track, requiring concentration and avoiding many potholes.

Inspired by a Venetian Palace, it was Catherine de Medici who gave Chenonceau its unique architecture. This Renaissance masterpiece, nicknamed the "Château des Dames" is also exceptional for the richness of its history. In 1513, Katherine Briçonnet directed the construction work. Then it was successively embellished by Diane de Poitiers, the King's mistress, initiator of the bridge and Catherine de Medici who imagined the two refined galleries that span the river. It was François 1er who married the Florentine with his son Henri II. By marrying him, this illustrious queen would make Chenonceau and the court of France shine with all the Italian splendor. Obtained at the time of Diane de Poitiers' disgrace, this dream home has always been her favorite residence. She stayed there very often, offering her sons memorable parties. But Catherine had more ambitious plans, and wanted to make her "castle on the water" a grand residence of the Court. A true art gallery, Chenonceau is also distinguished by the wealth of its collections, tapestries and paintings by the greatest European masters of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The Médicis gallery is a Cabinet of Curiosities that also presents many treasures, as well as documents allowing a better understanding of the stages of construction and the highlights of the history of the château. In 2019, to celebrate "500 years of Renaissance" and pay tribute to Catherine de Médicis, the château opened a new place to the public: "The Queen's Apothecary", the only one presented in a monument in the Loire Valley. Restored "in situ" for 3 years, it houses priceless sets of precious pots, paintings and mortars. Visiting Chenonceau also means discovering sumptuous historic gardens, a new contemporary garden, as well as a Labyrinth and a Flower Vegetable Garden. The 80-hectare park is home to many animals and birds living in freedom. Visitors can walk there freely, with their pets, because the castle is Pet Friendly. In 2020: The “Cabinet of Physics and Chemistry of Chenonceau”, created by Jean Jacques ROUSSEAU in the 18th century, will open its doors to the public, and the summer Night Walk will be enriched with new illuminations.

Beautiful path along the Cher with lots of shade in the heat

Beautiful château located on the Cher 👍 Great view from the south side

Loire-Disneyland and still nice

View of the Château de Chenonceaux from the east at the end of the morning.