Whether you discover it by land or even better, from the river, the vision of the Chenonceau Castle remains etched in memory. Built, embellished, protected, restored, saved by women almost throughout its history since the 16th century, the “Castle of the Ladies” has something to seduce by its aesthetics, its history but also by the life that still reigns there today. With Caroline Darrasse, in charge of communication of the castle, we visit here more particularly the park and his new garden of medicinal plants (or simple ones). We can find “plants known since the Middle Ages for their curative or simply gustatory virtues. Including the stimulating santolina, poppy, known for its sedative properties, absinthe which is used in the composition of many pharmaceutical products, oregano, a natural antibiotic, basil, mint, chamomile, the mysterious Artemisia which treats fevers …. The marshmallow prized by the Egyptians who added honey to its concoction…Which may have been the first candy!”
– @leonard greenhouses
The garden of medicinal plants once supplied an apothecary which has been rebuilt.
In June 2019, Chenonceau opened to the public _“_Queen’s Apothecary for the “500 years of Renaissance” operation. The only one present in a castle in the Loire Valley. In this same Building of the Domes, Catherine de Medici, surrounded by doctors, apothecaries and preachers, had, in her time, set up a small Apothecary, ancestor of the pharmacy.
– @dominique couineau
A new “Zen” garden” is also to be discovered, you will find it easily by following the song of the birds, this is where it is best heard!
And then, for an unforgettable memory, I can only encourage you to embark on the Cher, which aboard a canoe which aboard a Loire boat, at dusk or at dawn in order to discover the castle at the detour of the river. If there is a little mist it is even more magical!