Chateaux of the Loire, architectural guides for travellers

Along the banks of the Loire and its tributaries is the greatest concentration of chateaux in all France. In this landscape ancient fortresses stand high above the rivers and countless towers and turrets are reflected in the surrounding moats. The chateaux were built over many centuries by feudal lords, kings and queens, courtiers, financiers and landowners and the architecture is correspondingly varied. An introduction analyzes the differing architectural styles and describes their historical and social background.