Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Château de Chenonceau - le labyrinthe



2010 June 16-17 DSC_0422

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)
 

14 comments:

Sylvia K said...

That's fantastic! I'd love to visit there! Your great capture is the next best thing! Hope your week is off to a good start, Genie! Enjoy!
Hugs
Sylvia

Pierre BOYER said...

Un beau point de vue...

Oakland Daily Photo said...

J'adore ce chateau.

Jeanne said...

What a photographer's heaven to go there. Thanks for setting the mood for a dreamy day...LOL

M said...

Oh, to stroll to the center of the maze and sit down among the columns to read a good book while enjoying the beauty of nature and this beautiful castle ... Alas, I have to go to work :(

Jeanie said...

Very interesting history! I've always wanted to stroll a labyrinth like that!

JoeinVegas said...

We too visited, but didn't take time for the gardens. Perhaps another trip . . .

Alexa said...

Oh, to be navigating Catherine's labyrinth right now! Love the way you framed this, Genie.

Jack said...

I have been to Chenonceau twice but I am embarrassed to say that I don't remember the maze.

Randy said...

I can't believe how green it is there.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

It would be easy to miss this labyrinth as the grounds are spectacular. There are five or six separate gardens, each with a story and a purpose. There is a bouquet garden which provides many of the fresh flowers found throughout the castle, giving it a very lived-in feeling. As I remember the arrangements are unique and tailored to the rooms.

As M said, I would love to just linger in the maze and enjoy the sights.

I believe that one of the gardens (Catherine's or Diane's?) is a formal garden that can be seen from the windows of the chateau.

Loved reading your comments.

Bises,
Genie

Daryl said...

oooh .. adding it to the list of places outside Paris i would like to visit

Starman said...

Interesting post!

Louise said...

How beautiful and green that is. I love formal French gardens.