Did you notice that there are two spellings for Chenonceau? That one refers to the château itself. When it's spelled with a final "x," as in Chenonceaux, it refers to the name of the town where the castle is located. I read in Wikipedia that it was the owner of the castle (Louise Dupin de Franceuil) who, during the French Revolution, decided to drop the "x" to differentiate it as a royal property, as opposed to a property of the new Republic.
Northern façade, Chateau de Chenonceau. March 2006.
The castle's origins date back to the thirteenth century, but the bridge across the river and the galeries above weren't started until the sixteenth century.
Such a charming little place.
ReplyDeleteI have not researched this chateau but have seen it in many photos . Why was it built out over the river? Was it just to impress which it obviously does?
ReplyDeleteI can NEVER remember which one takes the X . Grrr.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the explanation of the x! I’ve often wondered about it.
ReplyDeleteBettyAnn
mitch, indeed.
ReplyDeletewoody, I'm not sure, but I'll bet the answer is out there.
judy, :)
bettyann, me too.