Francis I exhibition at Château de Blois

This year, France is celebrating the 500th anniversary of both the accession of King Francis I and the the Battle of Marignano. Several events, such as major exhibitions, will be taking place, one of the most notable at Château Royal de Blois in the Loire. A favorite royal court residence in the 16th century, the Château was the king’s first project and held the royal library until 1544, when it was moved to Fontainebleau.

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The City of Blois and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France are jointly mounting a major exhibition, Royal Treasures: Francis I of France’s Library, featuring some 140 artefacts, including nearly 130 from the library’s collection. The exceptional pieces which will be displayed encompass manuscripts, printed books and covers, engravings, drawings, coins, medals, artefacts and jewels, and include the famous illuminated tome, Grandes Heures d’Anne de Bretagne (pictured at top).

● The exhibition runs from July 4 to October 18, 2015.