Chateaux of the Loire

Part of a series of architecture guides which set out to give an informative introduction to architectural styles in many different parts of the world. Each guide focuses on a distinctive type of architecture within a country or a particular region, giving a detailed, well-illustrated survey of the buildings most likely to excite the traveller's curiosity and stay in the mind long after the return home. The introductory section of each book provides the historical context of the buildings. Against this background, the development and characteristics of the architecture are discussed, with an account of the principle architects involved. Finally a gazetteer lists all the important examples of the style plus a selection of minor buildings. Along the banks of the Loire and its tributaries is the greatest concentration of chateaux in all of France. Built over a period of nearly 1000 years by feudal lords, kings and queens, landowners and financiers, the architecture is very varied. Stern medieval strongeholds and ornate Renaissance pleasure palaces and elegant classical country houses are included in this book.