The Loire valley is the magnificent setting of a string of castles, to visit one after another, like the troubadours who traveled between medieval courts to sing of arcane legends and courtly love. For a century France linked its history to the course of this famous river. Princes and kings, queens and dukes, courtiers and favorites lived in these princely chateaux, and, even today, it seems as though they still process up the flights of steps, execute private vendettas in secret rooms, and step lightly to the notes of mandolins in the ballrooms. The sumptuous castles and mansions, surrounded by immense parks and gardens, that line the banks of this magical river recount an eventful private history and the public history of France. -- from dust jacket.