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Royal Châteaux of the Loire Valley with Sandra Laville

Royal Châteaux of the Loire Valley with Sandra Laville


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Discover three of the most stunning residences of the Loire Valley region – The Châteaux of Amboise, Chambord, and Chenonceau – and hear all about the lives of the Kings and Queens that lived there. If only the walls could speak…

From the 1400s onwards, the Kings of France took up home in the Loire Valley region, just south of Paris, and engaged in a building frenzy, studding the valley with some of the country’s most spectacular royal palaces. For more than 3 centuries, these residences were the stage for the various intrigues, political disasters, and personal scandals at the French court. During the first part of the seminar, we will discuss the Château of Amboise, from the early years of King Francis’ reign to his death in 1519. We will hear about Queen Catherine de’ Medici, wife of King Henri 2nd, and her five royal children that all grew up at Amboise, including future King Francis 2nd and his young fiancée, Mary Queen of Scots.

Next, we will explore the Château of Chambord, the iconic symbol of the French Renaissance constructed from scratch by King Francis 1st. We’ll discuss the many famous guests that stayed at the palace over the centuries, from Holy Roman Emperor Charles 5th to King Stanislas Leszczynski of Poland, and admire the palace’s stunning Renaissance architecture.

Lastly, we will take a look at the Château of Chenonceau, one of the most startlingly beautiful castles in the region. Also known as the “château des dames” (the ladies’ castle), it was owned and embellished by many illustrious women over the years, including King Henri 2nd’s mistress Diane de Poitiers, and his wife, Queen Catherine de’ Medici.

Led by an expert on Modern European History (1492 – 1797), Sandra Laville, this interactive seminar will discuss three of the most spectacular royal palaces in France: Amboise, Chambord, and Chenonceau. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the Loire Valley châteaux and the Kings and Queens that inhabited them.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 23 reviews
78%
(18)
17%
(4)
4%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
Just lovely!

This was a lovely tour and conversation about three wonderful chateaux. . The information was informative and the pictures quite lovely.

D
David Radue (Cape Neddick, US)
Sandra Laville; Loire Chateaux

Excellent presentation and content around 3 of the Loire Valley Chateaux! I only wish it had been longer - I could have listened all day!!!

Reviewer avatar
Beth Ann from Michigan (Plymouth, US)
Great historical perspective on these three iconic chateaus

Then presenter, Sandra Laville, was very knowledgeable and very well qualified to give this presentation. Her slides were very well organized and the images were rich and provided excellent support for the discussion. The chateaus are beautiful. This was the best Context lecture I have attended so far.

K
Kathleen (Fort Mill, US)
Outstanding!

Sandra was extremely knowledgeable about art, architecture and history and an excellent presenter! We'd highly recommend her. Definitely one of the best!

B
Brenda (Larkspur, US)
Excellent learning experience!

Sandra is extremely knowledgeable and passionate! Her enthusiasm was contagious. I learned so much more about the history and the people of the chateaux than I expected. Sandra really made them come to life!

Customer Reviews

Based on 23 reviews
78%
(18)
17%
(4)
4%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
Just lovely!

This was a lovely tour and conversation about three wonderful chateaux. . The information was informative and the pictures quite lovely.

D
David Radue (Cape Neddick, US)
Sandra Laville; Loire Chateaux

Excellent presentation and content around 3 of the Loire Valley Chateaux! I only wish it had been longer - I could have listened all day!!!

Reviewer avatar
Beth Ann from Michigan (Plymouth, US)
Great historical perspective on these three iconic chateaus

Then presenter, Sandra Laville, was very knowledgeable and very well qualified to give this presentation. Her slides were very well organized and the images were rich and provided excellent support for the discussion. The chateaus are beautiful. This was the best Context lecture I have attended so far.

K
Kathleen (Fort Mill, US)
Outstanding!

Sandra was extremely knowledgeable about art, architecture and history and an excellent presenter! We'd highly recommend her. Definitely one of the best!

B
Brenda (Larkspur, US)
Excellent learning experience!

Sandra is extremely knowledgeable and passionate! Her enthusiasm was contagious. I learned so much more about the history and the people of the chateaux than I expected. Sandra really made them come to life!