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CHÂTEAUX 2020 THE GUIDE


history steered by women and a distinctly feminine grace set it apart from its Loire Valley neighbours. Often referred to as the ‘Ladies’ Château’, its construction was overseen by Katherine Briçonnet between 1513 and 1521; it was home both to Henry II’s wife Catherine de’ Medici and his mistress Diane de Poitiers – both of whom designed gardens to rival one another, which you can still wander through today. www.chenonceau.com


Château de Brézé (Maine-et-Loire)


Classified as a historical monument and located near Saumur, the Château de Brézé is considered one of the most


intriguing castles in the Loire, thanks to its underground fortress (the largest of its kind in Europe) and unique troglodytic complex cut into the tufa. Take an underground tour to discover the largest known underground medieval bakery in France, with its imposing fireplace and chimney. While the current building is Renaissance in style, the château retains medieval elements such as a drawbridge – and its deep dry moats are an impressive sight. Wander along them to spot three 16th century wine presses. www.chateaudebreze.com


Château de Villandry (Indre-et-Loire)


Above all else, the Château de


“APPEARING TO FLOAT ABOVE THE RIVER CHER, CHENONCEAU IS ONE OF FRANCE’S MOST FAMOUS CHÂTEAUX”


Villandry is famed for its gardens, a meticulous network of tidy box hedges, fragrant herbs and vibrant flowers. Smartly planted, les jardins offer a sumptuous feast of colour all year round thanks to their seasonal plants and veg – in autumn, hues of orange, red and purple prevail; in the height of summer, dazzling green and hot pinks. Most visitors come to admire the grounds, but the interior is also a sight for sore eyes, with gorgeous


Renaissance décor and rooms


laid out to stir the imagination about life in the 16th century. www.chateauvillandry.fr/en


Château de Hautefort (Dordogne)


Hautefort is a prestigious pile known for its medley of architecture, having been turned from a fortress into a sumptuous residence in the 1600s, and featuring a collection of 17th- and 18th-century furniture, as well as a 19th- century French garden, courtesy of the Comte de ❯❯


Apr/May 2020 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 131


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