Château de Chambord

Castle in Blois

The Château de Chambord is the crown jewel of the Loire Valley, a sprawling Renaissance masterpiece that feels more like a fantastical palace than a traditional château. Commissioned by King François I in the early 16th century as a hunting lodge, its architecture reflects both the ambition of the French monarchy and the creative genius of the Renaissance. With over 400 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 fireplaces, Chambord is not only the largest château in the Loire but also one of the most awe-inspiring. Its immense size and remote setting give it an almost dreamlike presence amid forest and mist.

At the heart of the château is the legendary double-helix staircase, believed to have been influenced by Leonardo da Vinci. This central feature allows two people to ascend and descend without crossing paths, embodying the spirit of Renaissance innovation. As you wander through grand halls, royal apartments, and rooftop terraces, the sheer scale and intricate details of the building become increasingly apparent. The view from the roof, with its chimneys, lanterns, and sculptural flourishes, resembles a miniature cityscape.

Beyond the walls, the château is surrounded by the largest enclosed park in Europe, covering over 5,000 hectares of forest and moorland. Visitors can rent bikes, explore walking trails, or take a boat on the canal that circles the château. Chambord is not just a monument—it’s a vast, immersive experience that speaks to the grandeur of royal ambition and the elegance of French heritage. Whether visited for a few hours or an entire day, it leaves a lasting impression of scale, beauty, and vision.

The Château de Chambord appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Blois!

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Visiting Château de Chambord

Hours:

January 5 to March 28: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

March 29 to October 26: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

October 27 to December 20: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

December 21 to January 4: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Price:

Full Price: €19

Address: Château de Chambord, Chambord, France

Official Website