Château de Chenonceau - le labyrinthe

Château de Chenonceau

The Maze

Seen from ground level the grand labyrinth shows only a tight hedge of yews.  If you are able to navigate the maze to the center you will be rewarded with the view from a heightened gazebo of the entire layout.   The design for this formal garden was created by Catherine de Médicis in the 16th century.

Chenonceau is also known as the Château de Femmes for the succession of six powerful French knoblewomen, each of whom had an impact on the chateau over the period of four centuries.  The four caryatids seen in the background were added to the chateau by Catherine de Médicis and more recently added to "her" maze.

 

Château de Chenonceau has nearly one million visitors every year, and with the exception of the Palace of Versailles, is the most visited castle in France. 

Château de Chenonceau

45000, Chenonceaux

(one hour by train from Paris - day trip)

 

La fontaine Médicis -- A quiet place

After Starman's request to feature Catherine de Médicis' fountain in Jardin du Luxembourg, I wondered if I would risk saying that it is my favorite "quiet place" in Paris. A risk, because with each trip to Paris comes the discovery of new favorites and wondering if at some point in the future I would have to toss this special place aside for un nouveau endroit. Certainly someone will remind me if/when that time comes. Hummm, a dilemma.

This is not a secret place but mostly a quiet, shaded, cool space in the enormous, multi-faceted Jardin du Luxembourg. The fountain is found just east of the Sénat with the closest entrance at Place P. Claudel. The long basin of water is shaded by a canopy of plane trees, inviting a contemplative atmosphere. The familiar green chairs line the two sides of the basin backed by a screen of draped green garlands, shielding the scene from the less serene areas of the park seen here.

I will bring you back here again, but will leave you with this thought. This is my favorite quiet place in Paris. There now-- I've said it.