The Bridge Between Enemy Lands

I visited the Château de Chenonceau, a chateau located in the Loire Valley in France. The Chateau has a fascinating history, as it has exchanged hands between French and English diplomats throughout history. The bridge was designed by Thomas Bohier and spans the River Cher. Queen Catherine de Medici planted the first formal garden at the bridge in 1560. What interested me about Chenonceau was the intricate detail involved in constructing such a magnificent structure on enemy lands. The peace and beauty of the chateau now contrasts with its surprisingly violent past.