Magical, iconic chateau spanning the river Cher
The main purpose of going to Chenonceau was to see Diane de Poitiers garden. However, despite the house having a marvellous collection of original drawings, engravings and paintings of the Chateau and its garden, the present layout of Diane de Poitiers garden has more in keeping with Victorian Italianate than anything the evidence presents. Moreover the whole relationship of the chateau and its garden has been radically changed over time. But the drawings were well worth seeing and beyond the chateau and its crowds of visitors, was the area I most enjoyed, the original kitchen garden, where old glass houses and cold frames remain and flowers for the Chateau’s exceptionally adventurous floral decorations are grown.