French Chteau Living: The Chteau du Lude

(Hardback)

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Providing intimate insight into life in a French chteau, this volume takes readers on an insider's tour of the Chteau du Lude, a private residence in the Loire Valley that features its original decorative interiors.

Nestled in the idyllic Loire Valley, the Chteau du Lude is one of the most historic chteaux in France; Bluebeard besieged the castle on his way to join Joan of Arc's crusade and it earned the rare distinction of having survived the French Revolution intact.

Today, the Lude is inhabited and impeccably maintained by the Count and Countess LouisJean de Nicolay, whose family has owned the property for over 250 years.

They invite readers to discover the chteau's well-preserved interiors and gardens, which feature a medieval kitchen, an Italian Renaissance studiolo, and exceptional horse stables, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the chteau's inhabitants past and present. Newly-commissioned photographs offer unprecedented access into the hidden corners of the estate that are not usually open to the general public. The Lude hosts annual garden and literary festivals on the property, and is a popular tourist destination.

Author Bio

Barbara de Nicolay and her husband, Count Louis-Jean de Nicolay, live at Chteau de Lude with their family.

Christine Toulier-honorary chief heritage curator for the Rgion des Pays de la Loire-has written several works on French chteaux, including Richelieu: The Chteau and The Ideal City (2005).

Eric Sander's photographs have appeared in Smithsonian, Life, Time, Newsweek, Le Figaro Magazine, and in numerous books.

Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery has published several books including Private Houses of France (Flammarion, 2014) and French Interiors: The Art of Elegance (Flammarion, 2008).

Stphane Bern is a popular radio and television presenter in France. He is the author of numerous books including The Best Loved Villages of France (Flammarion, 2014) and biographies of royal families and society figures.