This castle beautifully captures the dramatic tale of the two noble ladies who were loved by King Henry II of France. Both ladies lived in the castle and made it the beautiful and famous place that it has become.

The first lady is Diane de Poitiers, born in 1500 CE. She was a beautiful woman who worked hard to maintain her beauty into her 50s. There are many paintings of her. Diane became Dauphin Henry's mistress in 1534, when she was 35 years old and Henry was 15. Henry loved Diane.

A year later, Catherine de Medici was given in marriage to Dauphin Henry. Catherine and Diane are second cousins and Diane approved of the marriage.

When Henry's brother died in 1536, Henry became hier to the throne and there was great pressure for Catherine to give him an hier. For ten years of Catherine had no children. Diane ensured Catherine visited Henry's bedchamber often to prevent accusations against her. In 1544, Catherine gave birth to Francis, who later married Mary, Queen of Scotts.

Diane and Catherine both lived in the castle Chenonceaux. King Henry gave this castle to Diane to own when Catherine wanted it. The tension between Diane and Catherine is subtley written on the walls of the Castle. Diane's bedroom is on the first floor. Catherine's is on the third. King Henry created a symbol that represents his love for Diane and his marriage to Catherine. This symbol is throughout the castle. It is the letter H (for Henry) overlaid with the letter D (for Diane) and overlaid with the letter C (for Catherine).

King Henry died in 1559 from a jousting injury that occurred while he was wearing Diane's colors. Henry loved Diane to his death.

Catherine's son, Francis, became king of France, and this gave Catherine great influence over the affairs of France. Catherine gave Diane a new Chateau and took Chateau Chenonceaux for herself.

Catherine redecorated the castle. In Diane's bedroom, Catherine hung a very large painting of herself and under the portrait she put a new symbol, which is the H (for Henry) overlaid with the C (for Catherine). Catherine is finally victorious over her rival Diane.