romance and intrigue blossomed at the chateau of chenonceau. in 1533, francois arranged the marriage of his son henri ii to the italian catherine de medici. unfortunately, henri much preferred the company of his mistress diane de poitiers. to catherine's horror, he gave diane a little gift-- chenonceau. much later, when henri ii was dead and catherine de medici ruled france, she took revenge and ousted diane from chenonceau. you can see diane pictured in francois' bedroom or imagine the schemings of the medici queen in her green study. the great kitchen conjures images of renaissance feasts. queen catherine threw lavish parties and weddings at chenonceau, with fireworks bursting from the trees and fountains flowing with wine. mmm! [speaking french] maxa, voice-over: festivals are still a way of life in france during the summer months, and they make a great diversion from castle-hopping. maxa: very strong? maxa, voice-over: the charming town of tours hosts a garlic festival every july. you know, if there's any place in tours that you don't have