Chambord castleWith its 5,440 hectares encircled by 32 kilometres of walls, thedomain of Chambord offers a unique experience. If you’re lucky, you may cross paths with the majestic deer that inhabit this national reserve, where the osprey has recently made a comeback. By bike, on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, explore the 800 hectares open to the public and let yourself be lulled by the murmur of the hundred-year-old oaks.
Chambord Castle Festival
Chambord castle
Domaine National De Chambord Chateau Sophie Lloyd 3Returning victorious from Marignan in 1515, the young François 1er dreamed of an extraordinary palace. In 1519, the monarch launched the construction of the château on marshy land, imagining a silhouette reminiscent of Constantinople.
An art and hunting enthusiast, the king himself drew up the plans for what was to become the largest of the châteaux of the Loire. The architecture of the château blends French and Italian influences, marked by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, whom Francis I invited to his court.
Discover today the legacy of this visionary king in every stone of Chambord, where the salamander, his royal emblem, still watches over the 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces of this one-of-a-kind residence.
Witness the scale of the titanic works that shaped Chambord! The site mobilised 1,800 workers over nearly 30 years to erect this unique palace, requiring 220,000 tonnes of tuffeau, the emblematic white stone of the Loire Valley.
The construction continued under successive reigns, with each monarch adding his own touch to the initial project. When you arrive on site, you’ll be taken aback by the majesty of the 440 rooms and 282 monumental fireplaces that bear witness to this architectural epic.
The chateau of Chambord has a major surprise in store for you: its famous double-revolution staircase, a veritable technical feat attributed to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Climb its steps and relive the splendours of the French Renaissance!
After Francis I, prestigious residents enlivened the rooms of the château de Chambord. Stanislas Leszczynski, King of Poland in exile, established his court there from 1725 to 1733, bringing refinement and Polish culture within these walls.
The Marshal of Saxony moved there in 1745, rewarded by Louis XV for his victory at Fontenoy. Molière even created his “Bourgeois Gentilhomme” here in 1670, transforming the royal residence into a theatre of the arts.
Later, the Count of Chambord dreamed of reigning here under the name of Henry V. Today, wander through these flats where the echoes of sumptuous parties and court intrigues still echo. A visit from Touraine plunges you into the intimacy of these illustrious occupants!
Chambord castle
Chambord castle
Chambord castleAt the heart of the keep, an architectural marvel awaits you: the double revolution staircase. Climb its openwork steps, which wind one above the other without ever crossing! This fascinating spiral, attributed to the talent of Leonardo da Vinci, allows two people to use the staircase simultaneously without running into each other.
Come and experience this unique Renaissance innovation that serves the upper floors right up to the summit terraces. Observe the natural light that bathes the 128 steps through the large windows, creating a changing spectacle as the day progresses. This centrepiece of the château alone is well worth the diversions for an exceptional architectural experience.
From the summit terraces, a striking sight awaits you: a veritable aerial city emerges before your eyes, populated by 282 monumental chimneys. These stone sentinels, sculpted with remarkable finesse, raise their slender silhouettes to the sky.
Access this unique belvedere to admire their refined ornamentation: pilasters, medallions and foliage adorn each chimney stump. The lantern tower, the highest point of the château at 56 metres, reigns over this mineral forest, its golden fleur-de-lis glinting in the sun.
Chambord castle
inside the Château de ChambordPush open the door to the beautifully restored royal apartments! In a hushed atmosphere, the sumptuous rooms reveal their new finery. Tapestries in shimmering colours adorn the walls, while period furniture recounts the daily lives of the illustrious occupants.
Wonder the parade room, the jewel of these flats, where finely carved woodwork sits alongside precious fabrics. The Delft earthenware stoves, commissioned by the Marshal of Saxony, bear witness to the extreme refinement of these premises.
The north facade of the château de Chambord has been adorned with a new green setting. An exceptional feat carried out in 2017 has brought back to life the gardens imagined under Louis XIV. Stroll between the 600 majestic trees and 800 carefully pruned shrubs that form elegant parterres.
The 15,000 plants that line the borders create a perfect plant transition between the monument and the forest. Roses in bloom perfume the air, while citrus trees in crates recall the splendour of the royal gardens. A show that changes with the seasons, easily accessible from Touraine for a day’s escapade in the heart of this restored marvel.
Chambord castle
