The Ladies’ Château

Traveling the world brings history to life, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and taste new flavors. Take a journey through France, and you'll fall in love with the Loire Valley. It’s a region renowned for its white wine, but you'll discover much more as you wander across the majestic landscape. 

If you could create your own postcard, this is where you would look for inspiration. The castles and chateaus are extraordinary, and the natural beauty will captivate you. 

You will wander through yellow fields of chest-high daffodils. The aromas of lavender and oleander fill the air and relax the senses. On the first day of August, you could already see the harvested hay to get the farmers through the winter. 

While the scenery is breathtaking, people visit the Loire Valley for two reasons: to taste wines unique to this region and explore the extraordinary castles that defined the nobility. 

The Ladies’ Château  

Château des Chenonceau is the ultimate example; more than 500 years after its construction, you can still see Katherine Briçonnet’s famous quote carved on the front door, “S'il vient à point, me souviendra” (If I manage to build Chenoceau, I will be remembered.) When you walk into this fairytale castle, you understand what she meant. 

It’s also known as Château des Dames or the Ladies Château. It was designed and often owned by some of the most influential women in the history of France, including Diane de Poitiers, Louise Dupin and Catherine de’ Medici. You’ll be amazed as you gaze at its beauty from the outside and envy the people who lived in this luxurious castle once you walk in. 

I’ve seen some of the world's grandest castles and this was the first one I wanted to live in. It’s not the grandest castle or the most glamorous but it’s in the perfect location. Enchanting forests surround you, it’s built on the serene River Cher and there is a magnificent wine cellar. 

There are a few rooms that I highly recommend; at the top of that list is The Gallery. You will recognize it immediately if you’re a fan of “The Serpent Queen” on Starz. The almost 200-foot-long gallery served as a ballroom, a gallery decorated with medallions, a hospital during the First World War and the line of demarcation between the French and Nazis during WWII. Today, it connects Diane de Poitiers’ bedroom with a trail to Louise Dupin’s nearby grave. 

The most jaw-dropping room is Catherine de Medici’s bedroom. This majestic room is crowned with a wooden square-coffer painted and gilded ceiling. The carved furniture is fantastic and framed with a rare set of Flanders tapestries that tell the stories of several fables. The terracotta floors and gilded ceiling almost make her former bed seem to radiate. 

Another fascinating room is the Five Queens’ Bedroom. It was named in memory of Catherine de’ Medici’s two daughters and three daughters-in-law. The walls are uniquely covered with tapestries representing the Siege of Troy, the Kidnapping of Helen, Circus Games in the Colosseum and the Crowning of King David. 

Every room in this château is uniquely designed and tells the stories of those who lived there. Leave time to wander through Diane’s Garden and Catherine’s Garden. Both gardens provide some of the best views of this extraordinary estate. 

Step Back in Time 

Another magnificent destination is Château de Cheverny. It is not as grandiose as Chenonceau but is still used by the family that owns it. This château features six gardens; the vegetable garden is the one most likely to grab your attention. The variety of vegetables, colors, aromas and textures will likely mesmerize you. You will also want to see the tulip garden; gardeners plant more than 500,000 bulbs annually! 

You will feel like you stepped back in time when you enter Château de Cheverny. It was built in the 17th century in the classical style of Louis XIII with rigid symmetry. The interior also represents a living history of the family that’s owned the château for 400 years. 

Elegant Wines

Right next to Château de Cheverny is Maison des Vins de Cheverny, or as we’d call it in the US, the wine house. What’s unique about this winery is its selection. You will find more than 100 different wines representing vineyards across the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny AOCs. While these AOCs are renowned for dry white wine, you will also find some reds and dozens of rosés.  

Nearby you will find Domaine de la Plante d’Or, a small family-owned vineyard. The winemaker or his wife will walk you through their grape fields and explain how their methods have changed over the past three centuries. 

Let’s Plan Your Journey 

The Loire Valley should be a bucket list destination for exploring unparalleled dry white wines. Using Unique Luxury Travels ensures elegant amenities everywhere you go, along with expert and personalized service. Email [email protected] or call 917-225-1360 to start planning your journey through this extraordinary region.