The small hamlet of Chambord proudly sits next to the immense forested estate of Sologne which envelops and hides the largest castle of the Loire Valley.

The Chateau de Chambord is superb and truly a royal construction, imposing by its grandeur and graceful by its architecture.

In our Loire Valley itineraries, we give you the unique opportunity to discover this extravagant castle from every angle possible.

 

Chambord, le Magnifique !

the castle of Chambord

Chambord in winter - ©FJFY

The castle of Chambord comes out of the dreams of a young King, Francois I, to build an immense castle, in an Italian Renaissance style, to show his power and wealth to the entire Europe. Coming back from Italy with Leonardo Da Vinci - that he settled in Le Clos Lucé in Amboise, Francois Ist decided to immortalize himself by building a gigantic chateau representing his passion for architecture and hunting.

Chambord amazing staircase by Leonardo da Vinci

One of the most surprising architectural aspect of the castle is the double helix staircase designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. Its particularity is that it is possible to go up and down the stairs without ever seeing each other.

Leonardo Da Vinci stair in Chambord

The famous stairs in chambord - ©FJFY

Would you live in Chambord ?

However, this Loire valley castle was unpleasant to live in, almost uninhabitable. It was too big and with an endless number of rooms, stairs and chimneys, the chateau was impossible to heat and you’ll feel that if you visit Chambord on a cold day. At that time, the mosquitos would also invade the whole area that used to be marshes.

Over his whole life, Francois I actually only stayed in the Chateau de Chambord for less than 40 days.

Some figures about Chambord castle



- The facades are 156 meters long

- There are 77 stairs in the castle and 282 chimneys ! You can actually get on the roofs to enjoy the views and all the Italian style chimneys

- Not less than 800 sculpted capitals. 

 

Chambord day trip from Paris

Chambord roofs - ©FJFY

How to enjoy Chambord castle visit

Being the largest and most impressive castle in the Loire valley, you will certainly not be alone in this gigantic monument. From 11am until 4pm it is invaded buy buses coming on day trips from Paris...huge mistake! Don't worry, we will suggest several possibilities so you will enjoy the castle of Chambord without the throngs of tourists.

One of Francois I’s passion being la chasse à courre (stag hunting), the Chateau of Chambord is reputed for the hunting parties organized in the surrounding forests. Until President Nicolas Sarkozy abolished the “President Hunting Estates” - which costed a lot to the French taxpayers - Chambord would actually be one of the places French President would come for hunting.

If you wish, we can plan a special visit to see the game: stags, wild boar deers, etc. 

Almost as famous as Chambord is Chenonceau castle in the Loire Valley. The Lady's castle...

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Judy
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little …
Linda & Michael
When we received our packet, I was amazed with all the info. Emilie put into it for our trip. We needed more time in the day for places on our daily agenda that we did not get a chance to visit. We will just have to return and finish them on the next trip to the Loire. Flo and Phil's, Les Bournais was a charming place with wonderful accommodations …
Lisa & Don from the US
The Perfect Trip Through France With France Just For You Emilie interviewed us and designed a perfect trip from Paris through the Loire Valley and Normandy, back to Paris, to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday. Every detail was perfect and it was easy to get around. The places she selected for us to stay were simply lovely with wonderful hosts …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Dennis
from Australia
Hiking in the Dentelles in Provence
Patricia, Brandon, Alyssa & Anika
from Canada
in a cellar in the Loire Valley
Maureen & Victor
from the US
Visiting an Abbey in the Loire Valley
Tracey & Sandra
From the US
In Provence...
Marcy, Mike & their daughters
from the US
in front of Clos Vougeot in Burgundy
Bonnie & Steve
from the US
in Provence
Jilly & Marc
from the US
in Paris
Trea & Anna
From the US
In a little town in Provence
Sonia & Peter
from Canada
in Carcassonne Medieval City
Mike & Lynda
from the US
Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
Joe & Beth
From the US
Truffle hunting in Provence
Jane
from the US
Canoeing down the Dordogne river

Last Blog Articles