The formal French gardens of Chenonceaux enjoy a magnificent setting, commanding fine views of the château. Inspired by Italian gardens and their use of hydraulic engineering, the garden of Diane de Poitiers (1551) has at its centre a fountain shooting 6m/20ft into the air. Set around a pond, the Catherine of Medici garden covers 5,500m/18,000ft². Lose yourself in the maze (1ha) and explore the kitchen garden, which supplies the castle with up to 150 bouquets every week.