Hum, not exactly the same kind of women...

For 21 years, Diane was the mistress of Catherine's husband, King Henri II, until the king died in a jousting accident in 1559. For 21 years, Catherine had to cope with the favorite on almost every occasion (it's the most famous example of "ménage à trois" that we have in our history) so, when Henri passed away, Catherine made to Diane an offer she couldn't refuse : she had to give back Chenonceau (which had been given to her by the king) in exchange of the chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire (not a good deal because not as nice but still an interesting chateau to visit if we have the time, only 18 miles from Chenonceau) which Catherine had bought 10 years before. That's how Catherine became the third owner of Chenonceau and she then extended and embellished the chateau.

I could talk to you for hours (AND I WILL if you let me) about the illustrious trio (Diane-Henri-Catherine) with incredible-but-true stories. The Loire valley is the perfect place for that, but also during my tour of the Marais or during the SLOFK tour...

(1499-1566)

(1519-1589)