Surrounding wall of the national domain of Chambord, Stone wall of historic monument in Chambord, France.
The surrounding wall of the national domain of Chambord is a stone barrier that encloses a vast royal estate, running continuously with a uniform height of 2.5 meters (8 feet). It creates a distinct perimeter that separates the forest and wildlife habitat within from the lands beyond.
Construction of the boundary wall began in 1524 when Francis I decided to enclose the royal hunting grounds within a defined territory. This massive building project reflected the king's desire to reserve vast forest lands exclusively for his own use.
The wall defines the boundary between the royal estate and the surrounding land, making the division between private domain and public forest visible to anyone who walks here. This physical separation reflects how rulers once marked their territories.
You can enter the domain through several gates built into the wall, which provide access to walking and cycling paths around the property. Bring comfortable shoes, as the routes cover substantial distances through forest and open land.
The wall encloses a working forest ecosystem where wild animals thrive, protected from outside interference while remaining contained within the domain. Few visitors realize that the boundary serves as both a barrier and a haven for the wildlife inside.
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