The estate of Chantilly is an exceptional treasure of French culture and heritage, rebuilt after the Revolution by Henri d'Orléans-the Duke of Aumale and son of King Louis-Philippe-as a home and museum. Today, his unrivaled collection of artworks, historic furniture, decorative arts, and rare manuscripts constitutes the Condé Museum's extensive galleries. Following in the footsteps of the Duke of Aumale, this richly illustrated volume offers rare access into one of France's most complete and beautiful stately homes and its world-class art collection, stables, and gardens.
France is replete with sites steeped in history, from painted prehistoric caves to Roman aqueducts, and from medieval churches to Renaissance châteaux, and its geography is extraordinarily diverse, from mountain ranges and coastlines to vineyards and rivers. French historian Franck Ferrand draws a new portrait of France through 100 essential places to discover, organized thematically and cross-referenced on regional maps.Behold the enigmatic standing stones of Carnac or the Roman Theater of Orange ; visit the homes of Leonardo da Vinci, George Sand, or Charles de Gaulle ; stroll past Monet's water lilies at Giverny or through the formal gardens at Villandry ; admire the artistry of the Bayeux Tapestry or the Issenheim Altarpiece ; and savor the wines of Beaujolais or the famous Médoc.This volume-which spans regions and cities, museums and monuments, architecture and natural wonders-provides readers with a fresh introduction to the world's most beloved country.
