Like so many other fascinating historic places, they often hide a dark past of political mishaps, rivalry, jealousy, revenge and great love affairs. As we explored the stunning Château de Chenonceau the plot of an intriguing Royal love triangle started to unfold.

Henry II married Catherine de Medici, who was a member of the powerful ruling family of Florence, they were both fourteen years old when they got married.

The following year, he became romantically involved with the thirty-five-year-old widow, Diane de Poitier, who was beautiful, well educated, and politically astute.  She influenced many of the decisions made by the King who was madly in love with her. Her powers of persuasion did not take long to convince the King to gift her the charming Château de Chenonceau.