Châteaux of the Loire: Royal Visit

Starting from the Château de Angers and heading east to the Château de Chambord along the Loire River in France, this fine travel documentary directed by Fannie Leblond showcases many magnificent châteaux, cathedrals, and historic cities. Dating back to the Middle Ages, many of the châteaux—past residences of kings, queens, dukes, and other nobility—were restored in the 16th and 17th centuries. The tour begins in the city of Angers with its famous châteaux, fortress, and cathedral. The Château d’Angers contains one of the oldest known tapestries, made up of six panels telling the story of the Apocalypse. To the east in Tours, remnants of Roman architecture remain; in Loches, the city still boasts ramparts from the Middle Ages and a keep that was impenetrable to invaders. In Amboise, the splendid Château of the Amboise family was a residence for French kings, and Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the nearby chapel. With narrow streets, timber houses and fortifications, Blois is home to the Château de Blois, a favorite for numerous kings and queens. Finally, Orleans, one of the oldest cities, has many statues, art works, and streets named in honor of Joan of Arc, who fought back the British there. Thirteen other wonderful châteaux are shown, each with remarkable features including intricately designed gardens, moats and drawbridges, tall spires, and historic furnishings. With wonderful photography and lovely background music, Châteaux of the Loire is a memorable tour of a past splendor and way of life that whets the appetite to learn more about this French region. Highly recommended. Aud: P, C. (T. Root)