Jean d'Haussonville, a career diplomat, has been Director General of the national Domaine of Chambord since December 2009. During this program he takes us on an exclusive tour of the château de Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance, and guides us through the royal apartment of François I and Louis XIV as well as the fascinating world of the royal hunting traditions. Built over more than twenty years (1519–1547), the chateau was a symbol of enormous wealth as François I truly “let out all the stops” in its construction. It is very recognizable due largely to its distinctive architecture that blends medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures.

Recorded Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Alliance Française de Chicago.