I visit the Chateau de Chenonceau perhaps 40 times a year on average. People ask me if I get bored with it. Not at all. There is so much history, so much beauty, I always look forward to visiting, and to sharing it with clients. Every year something changes too, as the management develop the site. This year it is perhaps a rather mundane refurbishment of the café, but some years it can be the introduction of a really special new exhibition space, such as for the 16th century apothecary or the 18th century collection of scientific instruments.
The café is in Catherine de Medici's former stables. Previously the old stalls formed booths in the café, but they've now been removed and a more refectory style has been introduced. To match the lighter furniture the beams have been cleaned and light oak panelling added to the walls. The place is brighter and more airy, not so dark and heavy. I have a feeling I know where the stalls are going to be reinstated too, so watch this space for the next development.
Photo shows the newly refurbished café.
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