Château de Chambord, Renaissance château in Loire Valley, France
Description
Chambord is a Renaissance château in the Loire Valley with 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases within an expansive limestone structure. The building spreads across several floors with four large corner towers and a central keep topped by a roofscape of turrets and chimneys.
History
Construction started in 1519 under Francis I as a hunting lodge, with architects Pierre Nepveu and Jacques Sourdeau leading the project until 1547. The building remained largely uninhabited and served as a ceremonial retreat for royal hunting trips over the centuries.
Culture
The double helix staircase in the main tower lets two people climb up and down at the same time without meeting. Visitors often pause at this spot to watch other guests appear and disappear on the parallel ramp.
Practical
The château opens daily except January 1 and December 25, with guided tours available in several languages during visiting hours. The large interior and staircases require comfortable footwear, as much of the tour involves walking.
Did you know?
The surrounding park covers 5440 hectares and forms the largest enclosed forest in Europe, bordered by a 32-kilometer wall. The forest is home to many animals including wild boar and deer, which visitors may occasionally spot during woodland walks.
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Architectural gem, unmatched!
Magnificent, a park to visit by golf cart or on foot! The castle is worth the detour!
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