Highlights French kings and royal castles in the Loire River Valley. Begins with Charles VII and his move to Chateau d' Amboise. Explores Frances I's wing to the castle at Blois, his Chateau de Chambord and Leonardo da Vinci last years in Amboise. Visits Chateau de Chenonceau, the city of Tours, Chateau de Villandry, the Loire vineyards, the castle at Azay-le-Rideau and the Chteau d'Uss. Covers Catherine de Medici's raucous parties and the influence of the Italian Renaissance.