Francois I, king of the Renaissance
King Francois I, who lived from 1494 to 1547, is considered the royal figure most symbolic of the French Renaissance. During his reign, numerous renovations and improvements took place across all the Loire Valley castles, and he brought over many Italian artists to benefit from their scientific and artistic expertise. The year 1515 was a pivotal one for him: he was victorious at the Battle of Marignan in the war against Italy for control of the Duchy of Milan, and he was crowned at the cathedral in Reims.
Charles Quint, the great rival
Charles Quint, who lived from 1500 to 1558 and is also known as Charles of Habsburg, was the sworn enemy of Francois I. Their rivalry shaped much of the political landscape of sixteenth century Europe and cast a long shadow over the reign of the French king.
Catherine de Medici
Catherine de Medici governed the kingdom under the titles of Queen-Mother and Regent until her son Francois II came to power. His brothers, Charles and Henri III, would also become kings of France. Her influence on the kingdom was far-reaching. As owner of the Chateau de Chenonceau, she dedicated an entire room to her daughters and daughters-in-law, known as the Room of Five Queens.
Leonardo da Vinci and Madame Dupin
Leonardo da Vinci, who lived from 1452 to 1519, was a multitalented man who influenced his own era and those that followed, celebrated not only for his art but for his scientific theories and inventions, including a prototype for a helicopter. Invited by Francois I, he took up residence at Clos Luce, not far from the Chateau d'Amboise. Less famous, but no less important to Chenonceau, was Madame Dupin, who lived from 1706 to 1799. Born Louise de Fontaine and wife of Monsieur Dupin, she acquired the royal castle and helped preserve it through troubled times.
