An Inclusive History

For too long, the story of the Loire Valley has been told primarily through the lens of kings and nobles. While figures like François I and Catherine de' Medici certainly shaped the region's destiny, they did so alongside thousands of unnamed artisans, laborers, merchants, and farmers whose contributions were equally vital. This book seeks to restore balance to that narrative, exploring how people of all social classes and backgrounds contributed to creating what we see today.

Women's stories, often overlooked in traditional histories, emerge as particularly compelling. From Diane de Poitiers, who transformed Chenonceau into a bridge-château spanning the Cher River, to the washerwomen whose labor by the riverside sustained entire communities, female voices and experiences shaped the Loire Valley in countless ways. Today, women like Sophie Sassier, who runs innovative accessibility programs at several châteaux, continue this tradition of female leadership and innovation.