Chenonceaux
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Chenonceaux is a small village and a commune of France, located in the Indre-et-Loire département of the Loire Valley, about 26 km (16 mi) east of Tours. It is situated on the right bank of the Cher River.
- Population: 326
- Area: 4.11 km²
- Altitude: 62 m
The population of permanent residents hovers around 300, as of 2004, but there is a large influx of tourists during the pleasant months of the year, because the village is home to the former Royal Château de Chenonceau, one of the most popular destinations in France.
The difference in spelling between the Château's name (Chenonceau) and the city (Chenonceaux) is attributed to Louise Dupin, owner of the castle during the French Revolution, who is said to have dropped the "x" at the end of the Château's name to differentiate what was a symbol of royalty from the Republic. Although no official sources have been found to support this legend, the Château has been since referred to and accepted as Chenonceau.