The Ladies’ Castle

The Château de Chenonceau - A Legacy Shaped by Women

"Women are the architects of happiness" - Simone de Beauvoir

Today’s Newsletter Presented By

Adore everything about France? Spread the love! Today’s newsletter captures the charm, culture, and beauty of France, from its enchanting landscapes and iconic landmarks to its timeless art, cuisine, and traditions. Know someone who dreams of France too? Spread the magic by forwarding this to a friend—they’ll love discovering a little slice of France in their inbox!

Chenonceaux - France - Shutterstock

---

In today’s email:

• The Ladies’ Castle

• Experience: - Hop on and off in Paris

• Around The Web: Loire Wine Tours; Air Touraine Balloon Ride;

  Seine and the City and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: The Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard

• Mange: The Quickest and Easiest French Dish You'll Ever Make

• Xtra: Chenonceau – The Ladies' Château

---

The Ladies’ Castle

The history of the Château de Chenonceau is defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, restored, and saved it. The first château was a medieval structure dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, of which only the dungeon remains: the Tour des Marques. The château in its current form was built between 1513 and 1517 by Thomas Bohier and, above all, his wife, Catherine Briçonnet. She played a crucial role in the château's construction and design, transforming it into a Renaissance masterpiece.

Over the centuries, it was further shaped by other influential women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici, who left their own indelible marks on the château’s history. Today, the château stands as a testament to the vision and resilience of these remarkable women

Chateau de Chenonceau is a French castle spanning the River Cher near Chenonceaux village, Loire valley in France - Shutterstock

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Make sightseeing in the French capital easy with a Big Bus tour of Paris. Enjoy the convenience of hop-on hop-off access at any stop along the route, and soak in the views from an open-top, double-decker bus. See sights like the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge cabaret club, and the iconic Eiffel Tower as you listen to informative audio-commentary, available in various languages.

Read more about Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise -

---

Around The Web

Loire Wine Tours

Explore the scenic Loire Valley, known for its rich wine heritage and stunning landscapes. Visit renowned wineries, sample exceptional wines, and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. Whether you prefer Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc or Cabernet Franc, Loire winery tours offer an unforgettable taste of France’s diverse terroirs

Air Touraine Balloon Ride

Experience the thrill of a hot-air balloon flight over the stunning Cher Valley with Air Touraine. Soar above the Loire Valley’s landscapes and châteaux for a unique perspective, guided by expert pilots. A perfect gift for a special occasion or unforgettable adventure

Perched Nights

On the edge of the forest, a staircase appears amidst the tree trunks: you’re off for a few metres of ascent, leading to the terrace of your perched hut. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, creating a soothing soundscape that will lull you into the arms of Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams

Vallon Saint-Jean Trail

The 9 km Vallon Saint-Jean trail offers a scenic hike through lush landscapes, perfect for nature lovers. Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside while exploring this peaceful path, with stunning views and rich wildlife along the way

Anse Noire Beach

Anse Noire, a 150-metre black sand beach in Martinique, is surrounded by lush vegetation and turquoise waters. It’s an ideal spot for turtle sightings, snorkelling, and escaping the crowds. Accessible via a 130-step staircase, this peaceful beach offers a unique and tranquil experience

Seine and the City

Paris and the River Seine are deeply connected - one would not be the same without the other. Flowing through the heart of the city, the Seine passes many of Paris’s most famous landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. As you stroll along its banks, you’ll see green bookstalls filled with old books and prints, artists sketching the skyline, and locals enjoying coffee or wine by the water. It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to experience the rhythm of Paris.

The Seine begins in eastern France and travels over 770 kilometres before reaching the sea at Le Havre, but it’s the stretch through Paris that is most loved

Alexandre III Bridge at sunset - Paris - Shutterstock

---

🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

From Social Media

The Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a stunning medieval fortress overlooking the town of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Lake Annecy in France

Mange

The Quickest and Easiest French Dish You'll Ever Make

Xtra

Chenonceau – The Ladies' Château

Thank you for reading Love to Visit France— your support allows us to keep doing this work.

If you enjoy Love to Visit France, it would mean the world to us if you invited friends to subscribe and read with us. If you refer friends, you will receive benefits that give you special access to Love to Visit France.