Built overlooking the River Cher, Chenonceau is the Loire castle where women have most left an impression. Catherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis each brought a personal touch to this dreamlike castle. Apart from its enchanting formal gardens, the castle contains an impressive art collection, composed of period furniture and famous paintings (including Van Loo’s “Three Graces”) in a bridge-gallery straddling the Cher.