Step Into a Fairytale: France’s Dreamiest Gardens and Estates

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7Château de Chenonceau – The Castle of Queens

Stretching gracefully across the River Cher, Château de Chenonceau looks like something lifted straight from a fairytale illustration. Known as the “Ladies’ Castle,” it was shaped by influential women—including Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers—who expanded and enriched its gardens.

Diane’s garden features elegant flower beds and sculpted shrubs, while Catherine’s boasts fountains and lush, dramatic arrangements. The reflection of the château in the river adds to its dreamlike atmosphere, especially at sunset. With its blend of romance, power, and beauty, Chenonceau offers a storybook setting unlike any other.