Château de Chambord, Renaissance château in Loire Valley, France
The château features 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases spread across its expansive limestone structure in the French Renaissance architectural style.
Construction began in 1519 under Francis I of France as a hunting lodge, with architects Pierre Nepveu and Jacques Sourdeau leading the architectural development until 1547.
The double helix staircase in the central keep represents a mathematical and architectural innovation that allows two people to ascend without meeting each other.
The château opens its doors every day except January 1st and December 25th, with guided tours available in multiple languages throughout the visiting hours.
The 5,440-hectare enclosed park contains the largest forest park in Europe surrounded by a 32-kilometer wall housing numerous species of wildlife.
Location: Chambord
Location: Muides-sur-Loire
Location: Neuvy
Location: Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire
Location: Thoury
Location: Tour-en-Sologne
Location: Maslives
Location: Huisseau-sur-Cosson
Inception: 1545
Founders: Francis I of France
Architects: Pierre Nepveu, Jacques Sourdeau
Architectural style: French Renaissance architecture
Part of: Domaine national de Chambord
Opening Hours: January 02-07,March 30-October 27 09:00-18:00; January 08-March 29,October 28-December 31 09:00-17:00; January 1, March 21, December 25 closed
Phone: +33254504000
Website: http://chambord.org
GPS coordinates: 47.61611,1.51722
Latest update: November 13, 2025 15:05
Historical structures in France range from Roman amphitheaters to modern bridges. The buildings display engineering and architectural techniques through multiple periods. Monuments include Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance castles, medieval fortresses, Roman bridges, and contemporary architectural designs. These constructions represent significant periods in French history and architecture.
Medieval castles across Europe showcase architecture from past centuries. The complexes present towers, fortification walls and underground passages. From mountain peaks to islands, these structures provide insights into historical defense systems and princely residences.
This collection brings together Renaissance masterpieces that dialogue with Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. From Milan to Florence, passing through European museums, discover works by the greatest masters of this prolific period that shaped art history between the 15th and 16th centuries. Da Vinci's Last Supper in Milan, Raphael's School of Athens at the Vatican, Michelangelo's David in Florence, or Raphael's Sistine Madonna in Dresden testify to the creative genius of this era. The collection also includes sites linked to Leonardo da Vinci, such as the Saint-Hubert Chapel in Amboise where the artist is buried, and the monumental sculpture of Leonardo's Horse at San Siro Racecourse. Each artwork reveals technical innovations, mastery of perspective, and attention to the human figure characteristic of High Renaissance.
France presents diverse landscapes in winter, from Alps to Mediterranean coast. Cities display historical architecture under snow, while mountain regions offer ski areas and alpine views. Coastal areas and historical sites remain accessible during cold months.
These castles represent significant architecture from medieval to modern times. The structures showcase military defenses, royal residences, and religious centers. From the Alhambra in Spain to Himeji in Japan, these fortresses document different architectural styles and historical periods.
The Loire River houses castles from French Renaissance and Classical periods. These structures display architectural elements of their time and document noble life. Each castle presents distinct features, from Gothic ornaments to symmetrical gardens. The interiors contain original furniture, tapestries, and art collections.
Château de Villesavin
7.8 km
Parc de Chambord
2 km
Chapelle du château de Chambord
99 m
Surrounding wall of the national domain of Chambord
5.5 km
Chapelle du château de Villesavin de Tour-en-Sologne
7.7 km
Église Saint-Louis de Chambord
143 m
Château de Colliers
5.5 km
Vieille halle de Bracieux
7.7 km
Pont de Muides-sur-Loire
6.6 km
Château de Cour-sur-Loire
7.8 km
Château de Montlivault
6.1 km
Château de Muides-sur-Loire
5.7 km
Château de la Cressonnière
5.9 km
Église Saint-Vincent-et-Sainte-Radegonde de Cour-sur-Loire
7.8 km
Église Saint-Christophe de Suèvres
7.1 km
Pont Saint-Michel
258 m
Église Saint-Pierre de Montlivault
6.1 km
Église Saint-Lubin de Suèvres
6.9 km
Église Saint-Martin de Crouy-sur-Cosson
7.8 km
Église Saint-Dyé de Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire
5 km
Église Saint-Lubin de Muides-sur-Loire
6.1 km
Église Saint-Claude de Saint-Claude-de-Diray
7.7 km
Église Saint-Étienne de Huisseau-sur-Cosson
5.4 km
Chapelle Saint-My de Huisseau-sur-Cosson
5.4 km
Église de Saint-Nicaise de Bracieux
7.4 km
Château des Forges
6.9 km
Moulin de l'Écuelle
5 km
Château de Nozieux
7.2 kmReviews
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Architectural gem, unmatched!
Magnificent, a park to visit by golf cart or on foot! The castle is worth the detour!
Architectural gem, unmatched!
Magnificent, a park to visit by golf cart or on foot! The castle is worth the detour!
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