French Architecture

Wallpaper Description:

Architecture_France

The Château of Chenonceau (Chenonceaux), "the Château des Dames" is a popular destinations in the Loire Valley in France.

"Château de Chenonceau : After King Francois I’s death, his son and heir, Henry II, gave the castle as a present to his mistress, the noblewoman Diane de Poitiers. She was very pleased with her new residence and determined to make some improvements. Her major works are the arched bridge across the river and the magnificent formal garden. However, the end of the powerful Diane de Poitier came with the death of Henry II. Henry II’s widow and Queen of France, Catherine de Medici, wanted Château de Chenonceau for herself, but, well aware it was in Diane’s ownership, the Queen forced her to agree on an exchange of castles. So Catherine de Medici took Château de Chenonceau, while Chaumont Castle was given to Diane de Poitiers. After Henry II died, his widow, Catherine de Medici, forced the king’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, to give her the castle.

Catherine loved her new castle and it didn’t take long before it became her favorite residence. She made some changes, including the construction of a two-story gallery known as the Bâtiment-des-Dômes over Diane’s bridge, creating the unique castle that we know today. Also, she created another garden that resembles Diane’s garden. Catherine hosted many luxurious balls and extravagant celebrations in the castle that were attended by many aristocrats and members of the European royal families." Vintage News