Video: Château d'Écouen and the Musée national de la Renaissance

The Musée national de la Renaissance, located in the beautiful château d'Écouen north of Paris, is a must-see destination for anyone interested in sixteenth-century French history and culture. The Musée recently released an introductory video that provides tantalizing glimpses of the site and the treasures it houses:

Film de présentation du musée national

Here is my translation of the film's French text:

"Home to lords and kings, one of the most beautiful jewels of Renaissance architecture, built by Anne de Montmorency, minister to François I and Henri II, the château houses, in its original décor, the National Museum of the Renaissance. Within the château's rich interiors, the Museum displays one of the most prestigious collections of the decorative arts of the period, including the tapestry of David and Bathsheba, a masterpiece of the sixteenth century. A fascinating place of art and history, right on the outskirts of Paris."

I visited years ago, and would love to go again--especially since the château was built by one of the main characters of my novel. Items on display include everything from majolica platters to jewelry to silver cups to tapestries to armor and weapons. The château and museum are open every day but Tuesday and easily accessible by suburban train from Paris.