Chenonceau Chateau

Why Chenonceau Chateau is special
The Chenonceau Chateau is unquestionably the most beautiful of France's many Loire Valley chateaus.

Chenonceau Chateau tips & insights
Two sections
It has two connected sections (see photo). On the left is the original structure. On the right is the 16th century extension built on an arched bridge spanning the Cher River

Ballrooom
This addition houses a 60-meter (200-long) gallery used as a ballroom for lavish parties attended by France's nobility and power elite.

Tour
You can take a tour through the furnished Chenonceau Chateau rooms. You see the Louis XIV sitting room, the Francois I bedroom, and the kitchens.

Other attractions
Beyond the building are the Marques Tower, two gardens, and a wax museum. During the evening, you can enjoy a Son et Lumiere light show.

Name
The Chateaux Chenonceau is nicknamed the "Chateau of the Ladies" because it was owned and enhanced by a succession of women of the royal court, including the queen Catherine de Medici.

Which is the correct spelling, Chenonceaux Chateau or Chenonceau Chateau?
I've seen both versions used widely for the chateau in English guidebooks and other media. For the record, Chenonceau Chateau is the official spelling.

However, the Chenonceaux spelling is correct for the small nearby town.

The prevalent explanation for the discrepancy is tied into the French Revolution. Citizens were trying to destroy possessions connected with royalty. Since "X" was a symbol for royalty, the owner of the then named Chateau Chenonceaux dropped the letter "x" as a precautionary measure. It seemed to work as the chateau was saved.

Location in France