France: Chenonceau Chateau

Chateau de Chenonceau is one of the most (if the most) famous chateaus in France. It is the second most visited after the Versailles in Paris. Built on a picturesque woodland estate, the castle literally was built to spam the river Cher with lavish gardens around. The chateau was built it ion early 1500s and was shortly thereafter aquited by the French King Henry II. He soon have it as a present to his mistress, Diane de Pointiers (nice to be the king I guess), who went nuts building more elaborate gardens and perfecting the castle even further with galleries and decorations. Upon Henry II death (or as has been suggested being poisoned by his wive Catherine de Medici), the regent queen quickly kicked the mistress out and took over the chateau herself. She lived here during her reign and not to be outdone, spent insane amount of money on the castle and lavish parties. In fact, the first ever fireworks in France were held here. The chateau changed many hands thereafter, remaining one of the most beautiful castles in France. The gardens are very elaborate as is the extremely lavish interior.