Throughout history and around the world, monarchies have overseen the creation of splendid gardens on the grounds of their royal palaces, leaving a legacy of incredibly gorgeous places rich with historical importance. These gardens were conceived not only for the pleasure of kings and queens but also as a sign of their power. In this lavishly illustrated book, photographer Jean-Baptiste Leroux takes us on an exclusive walk through some of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-all of which have belonged, or still belong, to royal families. Author Stephane Bern presents the intriguing history of these unforgettable landscapes, accented by personal testimonies of their owners.
Chambord occupies a special place among French Renaissance chateaux. Designed by Francis I as a hunting lodge for his friends and family and subsequently transformed into an immense residence, Chambord is an astonishingly bold architectural creation. To mark the 500th anniversary of this prestigious piece of French heritage, Jean-Michel Turpin invites us into the chateau, and especially into lesser-known and mysterious wings of Chambord, and throughout its beautiful grounds in the Loire Valley. The story spans five centuries and is illustrated by archival and contemporary photographs, many never before published.