Definitely the loveliest castle. It's called 'le chateau des Dames' because it was very popular with the women.
Built in the 16th century by Bohier, first owned by King Francois 1er and Queen Claude (after whom the 'Reine Claude' prunes were named). In 1547, King Henri II gives it to his 'favorite', Diane de Poitiers who designs the great gallery over the river Cher and adds a magnificent garden. When Henri dies, his wife Catherine de Medici throws Diane out and forces her to trade it for Chaumont. Catherine builds the gallery that Diane had planned and adds a floor. And a garden, pretty but much much smaller.
Louise de Lorraine retired to Chenonceau in meditation and prayer after her husband, King Henri III, died. She surrounded herself with nuns who lived on the top floor of the gallery and only wore black and white clothes for the rest of her life, in mourning of her husband. In WW II the gallery was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.