* The maximum architectural, economic, and political flourishing of our region occurred in the late 15th –early and mid-16th centuries. During this period, the French kings constantly lived in the Loire Valley, rebuilt the fortress castles of Amboise and Blois, inherited from their ancestors, in a new fashion, and ordered the first parterre gardens to be laid out. An architectural masterpiece, Chambord, was built in the same era. We will start our sightseeing day by exploring this castle. This is the real archetype of the castles of the Loire. Having not seen Chambord at least once, it is difficult to get the right impression of the Loire Valley. It is conceived as a "small" hunting lodge for the king, his friends and retinue. In fact, it becomes a symbol of absolute royal power, strength and some "dusting in the eyes" of European monarchs-opponents, in the person of the hated Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles V Habsburg. I will show you how King Francis I himself lived in this castle, as well as how the interior and its decoration were modified under other owners over the following centuries. Next, following the tradition of "wandering" from castle to castle, which was ingrained at the French court during this period, we will move to Blois. There we will take a detailed look at the stone "grammar of style" and the royal emblems on the numerous facades of this castle. Will you find out how these facades gradually grew based on the ancient fortress of the Counts of Blois? What ancient hero did King Francis compare himself to? What role did the States-General play in the last year of the reign of the Valois dynasty? Who became the "caliph for an hour" at the French court of the 17th century and how did this affect the architectural plan and the unity of the castle? You will be able to appreciate the interior of the rooms. And the last one in this eventful one-day program will be the royal castle of Amboise. Will I tell you where and how the royal children were raised? Who laid out the first Renaissance gardens on the castle grounds? Where was Leonardo da Vinci actually buried? Why is only 1/5 of the castle left?