This chateau is one of the most well known of the chateaux in the Loire Valley. It survived and thrived due to its ownership and maintenance by a series of wealthy women, from rivals (Queen) Catherine de Medici and (king’s mistress) Diane de Poitiers…
The fortress at Chinon was originally built in the 12th century, and the site is full of history waiting to be explored. This view shows the town of Chinon below the clock tower at the fortress.
The gardens at Clos-Lucé are done in the natural style. In 2019, they featured a variety of inventions created by former resident Leonardo da Vinci. (Can you spot the tank?)