Chambord, Renaissance castle in Loire Valley, France
Description
Chambord is a Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley featuring a distinctive central keep with four towers and numerous smaller turrets that create its striking silhouette. The building displays classical French design with symmetrical wings and elaborate stonework throughout its extensive grounds.
History
King Francis I commissioned construction beginning in 1519 as a royal hunting lodge set within extensive forests and grounds. The project evolved over generations, with successive kings making modifications that reflected changing architectural styles and royal preferences.
Culture
The name derives from the French word for room, reflecting the vast number of chambers that define this residence. Visitors today can experience the grand halls where performers entertained the royal court during lavish celebrations.
Practical
Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the interior spaces and climbing staircases involves considerable walking throughout the day. Plan to spend several hours to adequately see the building and its grounds at a comfortable pace.
Did you know?
The castle features a remarkable double-helix staircase that allows two people to climb simultaneously without crossing paths. This ingenious design was likely influenced by sketches and ideas that Leonardo da Vinci developed during his residence at the French court.
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Château de Chambord
370 m
Parc de Chambord
2.1 km
Chapelle du château de Chambord
402 m
Surrounding wall of the national domain of Chambord
5.5 km
Église Saint-Louis de Chambord
283 m
Pont Saint-Michel
585 m
Église Saint-Dyé de Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire
5.4 kmRéserve nationale de chasse et de faune sauvage de Chambord
1.7 km
Moulin de l'Écuelle
5.3 kmFortifications de Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire
5.1 km
Escalier central du château de Chambord
391 mScenic viewpoint
377 mScenic viewpoint
3.5 kmScenic viewpoint
3.9 kmShelter, scenic viewpoint
1 kmScenic viewpoint
2.7 kmScenic viewpoint
2.6 kmScenic viewpoint
616 mScenic viewpoint, shelter
1.5 kmBuste du maréchal de Saxe D’après Laurent Delvaux
411 mLa mort de Charles X
381 mLouis XV (1710-1774)
397 mMaurice comte de Saxe, maréchal des armées du roi, maréchal de France
402 mAnne d’Autriche en robe de deuil
397 mPortrait présumé de Marie-Thérèse d’Autriche
397 mLouis XV, roi de France et de Navarre (1710-1774) D’après Louis-Michel van Loo
403 mMarie Leszczynska (1703-1768) D’après Jean-Marc Nattier (1684-1766)
403 mLouis de France, dauphin (1729-1765) Atelier de Jean-Marc Nattier (1684-1766)
401 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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