France is home to some of the most extraordinary royal residences in the history of western civilization. In both Paris, the "City of Light", and the magnificent Loire Valley we will trace the footsteps of Kings, Queens, and Courtiers - from the development of the French monarchy in Merovingian times through the demise of the Bourbons. As we walk through Paris streets, palaces, chateaux and gardens, and glimpse behind the closed doors of private apartments, we will take a journey through centuries of royal splendor.

french version