The Castle of Chambord in the Loire Valley
The Chateau de Chambord is a huge and exceptionnal masterpiece of architecture from the Renaissance time, and World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1965.
Less than two hours south of Paris, between the River Loiret and the forest, stands the Chateau de Chambord (External link) . This majestic chateau acts as a gateway to the Loire Valley (External link) , listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Chambord and Leonardo da Vinci
Chateau de Chambord was dreamed up by King François I, and is the biggest and most prestigious of all the French Renaissance Châteaux. No one knows the architect, but this masterpiece seems to have been inspired by sketches by the Italian master, Leonardo da Vinci (External link) , particularly the famous double-helix staircase.
This staircase takes you up to the terraces, from where you get a wonderful view of the roofs and their towers, chimney stacks and dormer windows, as well as an unobstructed view of the estate, which is as big as Paris.
Chambord and the surrounding domain
Discover the estate (External link) on foot or by bike and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature in the 1,000 hectares of forestland open to the public. Animals roam free around the grounds and look-out areas have been set up for you to observe them. Visits can also be made on horseback, in a horse-drawn carriage or in a 4x4.
This majestic stone chateau and its immense estate personify all the art de vivre of François I (External link) .
All year long there are numerous concerts, performances and exhibitions held at the chateau.
Contact Chambord Castle
Domaine National de Chambord
41250 Chambord
+33(0)2 54 81 67 56
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Visit the Chateau of Chambord: www.chambord.org/en (External link)
- Discover the 18 other Loire Valley chateaux: www.loirevalley-france.co.uk (External link)