The Women Who Built Chenonceau
Among the many castles that grace France’s Loire Valley, none has quite the allure or history of the Château de Chenonceau. Arched elegantly over the River Cher, this Renaissance masterpiece isn’t just a marvel of architecture; it’s a testament to the power of women in a time when men wrote most of the history books. Known as the “Château des Dames,” Chenonceau has been shaped, owned, and protected almost entirely by women, each of whom left behind a piece of her legacy in stone, garden, and gallery.
The story begins in the early 16th century, when Thomas Bohier, the King’s finance minister, acquired the property. While Thomas was often away at court, it was his wife, Katherine Briçonnet, who oversaw the demolition of the medieval fortress that once stood there and guided the construction of the elegant château we see today. Her vision introduced some of the earliest elements of Renaissance architecture in France, including a straight staircase, an unusual feature at the time. She proved that a woman could not only hold the reins of a major building project but execute it with exceptional taste and foresight. Katherine’s work laid the foundation, both literally and symbolically, for the women who would follow.
In 1547, King Henry II gifted the château to his influential mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Diane was more than a royal favorite; she was a savvy manager and a patron of the arts. She commissioned the iconic bridge that stretches across the Cher and designed formal gardens that rival the finest in France. But when Henry died unexpectedly in 1559, his widow, the powerful and politically astute Catherine de’ Medici, seized control of Chenonceau. Catherine forced Diane to surrender the château in exchange for another property and made it her own residence and base of power.
Under Catherine’s influence, Chenonceau became the center of court life. She added the magnificent two-story gallery atop Diane’s bridge, transforming it into a grand ballroom and symbol of her reign. Lavish parties, fireworks, and theatrical performances made Chenonceau a hub of French Renaissance culture. Catherine also expanded the gardens and installed a cabinet of curiosities, further enhancing the château’s reputation as a place of both beauty and intellect.
Chenonceau continued to pass through the hands of remarkable women. Louise of Lorraine, widow of King Henry III, retreated to the château in mourning, adorning her chambers in black and silver. In the 20th century, the Menier family, owners of the Menier chocolate empire, acquired the château and played a vital role in its preservation during both World Wars. During World War I, it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. In World War II, its position spanning the Cher allowed it to act as a passageway between Nazi-occupied and Free France, with the gallery used to smuggle people and messages across enemy lines.