Chateau de Chambord
Visit the Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley. Discover its iconic double-helix staircase, Renaissance architecture, and vast wildlife park.
Chateau de Chambord
Visit the Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley. Discover its iconic double-helix staircase, Renaissance architecture, and vast wildlife park.
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About Chateau de Chambord
Add to favoritesBuilt in the heart of the largest enclosed forest park in Europe (approximately 50 km² surrounded by a 32 km long wall), it is the largest of the Loire Valley châteaux. It boasts a formal garden and a hunting park, both listed as historical monuments. Chambord is the only royal estate that remains intact since its creation.
Tip for an even more exceptional visit.
Don't miss the double helix staircase (attributed to Leonardo da Vinci) — it's the star of the castle!
8 Key Dates
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castle
6/9/1519
Construction begins at Chambord: Francis I launches the construction of the largest Renaissance château, a symbol of his power
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castle
6/9/1519
The titanic construction project of this Renaissance jewel, famous for its double-helix central staircase, was launched by Francis I.
FRANCOIS Ier -
history_edu
1/12/1539
King Francis I received Charles V at Chambord to dazzle him with the grandeur and modernity of French architecture.
FRANCOIS Ier -
castle
18/12/1539
Charles V's visit: The castle was not yet finished, but Francis I received his great rival, Emperor Charles V, there. The latter was astonished and described the monument as "a microcosm of human industry".
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square_foot
1670
Louis XIV completed the works that had been abandoned since Francis I. Molière created Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme there before the Court.
LOUIX XIV -
castle
1745
Louis XV offered the castle to Marshal de Saxe for his military victories. The latter added some comforts and installed his cavalry regiment there.
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palette
1940
During World War II, Chambord served as a secret storage center for works of art from national museums. The Mona Lisa was hidden there to escape Nazi bombing and looting.
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castle
1981
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architecture and its forest park, the largest enclosed forest in Europe.
Even more about this place
The stories of your visits (en-US)
Guides and books
LE RELAIS DE CHAMBORD
MERCURE BLOIS CENTRE
LES SOURCES DE CHEVERNY
LES HAUTS DE LOIRE
LES PAGODES DE BEAUVAL
CHATEAU DE PERREUX , THE ORIGINALS COLLECTION
AUBERGE DU BON LABOUREUR
CHATEAU DE NOIZAY