Providing intimate insight into life in a French ch�teau, this volume takes readers on an insider�s tour of the Ch�teau du Lude, a private residence that features its original decorative interiors. Nestled in the idyllic Loire Valley, the Ch�teau du Lude is one of the most historic ch�teaus 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 Louis-Jean de Nicolay, whose family has owned the property for over 250 years. They invite readers to discover the ch�teau�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 ch�teau�s inhabitants, past and present. Newly commissioned photographs offer unprecedented access into the hidden corners of the estate otherwise closed to the general public. Hardcover: 264 pages Publisher: Flammarion (September 19, 2017) Language: English ISBN-10: 208020310X ISBN-13: 978-2080203106 Product Dimensions: 10 x 1 x 12.4 inches Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Customer Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars