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

Robert & Karen
Anyone planning a trip to France, whether for the first time or for the twelfth (like me), will benefit from the fabulous itinerary that Emilie can craft for you. My husband and I just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in the Medoc and the Loire Valley that Emilie planned for us: top-notch historic B&Bs with character, charming friendly hosts and sumptuous …
Candy
Wherever possible we prefer to travel on our own as opposed to going on a tour package. With France - Just For You, they arranged for a vehicle and booked us into a couple of lovely B&B’s and a great Boutique Hotel in Paris and booked a couple of activities that we were interested in. Besides that, they put together a book for us with everything we …
Sheryl & Mike
World Class Experience ! After a 2 year Covid delay we finally had our Tour De France trip and it was perfect. Everything was well planned out for us and we had a great time !

Our Travelers’ Photos

Stuart
from Australia
Who stumbled upon Alice Cooper rock star in Galeries Lafayette in Paris
Jim
From Australia
At the top of the Rhune mount in the Basque Country
Shirley & Bob
from the US
After a concert in Paris
Linda
From Australia
Making Chou-Buns at Valerie's
Bruce from Australia
Cooking outdoor in Provence, bon appétit !
Beth & Joe
From the US
Enjoying breakfast at the B&B in Southern Provence
Shirley & Brad
from Canada
On a honeymoon in Dordogne
Mona, Yvette, Vernon, David
from the US
in Mont Saint Michel Bay in Normandy
Bridget & Tyler
from the US
In Monet's house kitchen in Giverny
Susan & Gary
From the US
At the summit of the famous Mont Ventoux in Provence (famous as a mythical step of the Tour de France)
Roy & Maureen
From Australia
In Biarritz Food Market, enjoying some white wine with oysters
Cynthia & Roger
from the US
Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley