Château de Chambord is the largest Chateau in the Loire valley and the most memorable one in Paris. Owing to its magnificent architecture, it is one of the most unique chateaus in the whole world. The design of this Chateau is in the style of modern French Renaissance blended with the elegance of the classic medieval architecture. Today, Chateau de Chambord is open as a popular tourist spot in France witnessing thousands of visitors every year.
Château de Chambord is one of the most elegant Chateaus in Paris and in the world. This chateau looks very distinctive and beautiful due to its magnificent architecture, comprising the French Renaissance architecture blended with traditional structures. Originally built as a hunting lodge for Francis 1, it was designed by an Italian architect with references to Leonardo da Vinci influencing the structure.
The château de Chambord histoire is famous because this place was a symbol of the power of King Francis 1 as he hosted Emperor Charles V in the chateau during his visit to France. During the time of the 18th century French Revolution, furniture was sold leaving the building empty and abandoned. Later in the 19th century, the place was restored and is now open to tourists for public visits, making it a popular destination for Europe Tour Packages. The architecture of Chateaux was inspired by a typical castle style but has deviated since its destruction.
Extensive gardens, water moat, and corner towers are built in the Renaissance style. The French and Italian designs are seen in the interiors of the chateaux with a whopping number of 440 rooms and 84 staircases. One of the main highlights of the chateau is a 274-step-long double spiral staircase, often said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci. 800 sculpted columns, a captivating decorative roof, and a 128-meter facade make the look of the chateaux even more interesting.
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Highlights
• Witness the elegance of architecture of the French Renaissance blended with classical medieval styles in Chateau de Chambord.
• Experience the enchanting looks of roses and petals of the gardens of the chateau.
• Have a look at the symmetrical facade designed in the true colors of the modern French Renaissance.
• Enjoy the heavenly look of the entire complex from the tallest tower of the lantern.
• Explore 80 rooms of the French royals possessing beautiful artworks, paintings, and furnishings.
• See into the past through the vaulted ceilings with beautiful signs of dolphins, porcupines, phoenixes, salamanders, etc.
• Glare at the French national collection with the magnificent portraits of Francis 1 and Louis 14.
• Ascend and descend through the mind-bending double helix staircase at the center of the chateau.Suggested Read: Best things To Do Near The Catacombs In Paris
How To Reach
By Train: You can take Austerlitz Train Station to reach the Blois-Chambord stop and take a shuttle to reach Chateau de Chambord in 25 minutes.
By Car: You can reach Chateau de Chambord by car less than 2 hour drive from the city of Paris.
- Take the exit at Mer on the A10 motorway.
- Take the exit at Selles-sur-Cher on the A85 motorway.
- Take the exit at Lamotte-Beuvron on the A71 motorway.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Chateau de Chambord is during June, owing to pleasant weather and favorable temperatures. The best time of the day to visit this place is during the morning hours around 10-11 AM as it is the most suitable time to avoid crowds and properly explore the elegant place.
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Other Essential Information
Tips to Visit
- The entrance ticket makes 60 rooms accessible to the public.
- Temporary exhibitions can be attended inclusive of the ticket.
- le château de Chambord is a large complex, make sure to reach it during the early morning hours for complete sightseeing.
- You must watch a 20 min film telecasted by the authorities on the ground floor of the chateau to elaborate on its history. This film is available in four languages- English, Italian, Spanish, and German.
- You can check out the history in short through the panels accessible throughout the chateau.
- A free visitor guide is available in 14 languages along with a detailed guide in 7 languages sold in the ticket office and shop of the chateau.
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Enchanting Architecture of Chateau
The mixture of the French Renaissance in the classical structures makes Chateau de Chambord one of the most recognizable chateaus in the whole world. The architecture is closely built on the principles of geometry and mathematics. The original architect of the chateau is still debated among historians but the Italian architect Domenico da Cortona is largely credited. Leonardo da Vinci is often talked to be an influence on architecture as the paintings inside the chateau point to his unique style.
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Facade
The facade possesses arched pillars on the front, giving a perfect symmetric look. The facade is made of the true renaissance, decorative structures placed as a defense. The three floors are divided by double banded friezes with a blackish tile roof in the style of harlequin design.
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Grid Layout
The chateau is a well-organized structure with a quadrangle in its center separating four large courtyards from each other. A Greek cross is found inside this place with arched ceilings inspired by classical architecture.
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Interior of the chateau
There are four unique floors with 440 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 fireplaces. Out of all these, 80 are open to tourists possessing works of art, paintings, and beautiful furniture. The ground floor is the 18th-century kitchen, the first floor is the Royal apartment, the second floor is the hunting museum and the fourth floor is the rooftop terrace.
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Double helix staircase
Located in the center inside, the mind-bending staircase is the most important thing to witness in Chateau de Chambord. The staircase appears to be a single staircase but in actuality, this architectural wonder piece is a pair of interlocking double helix staircases that even touch each other! This mysterious design will make you witness people ascending and descending with no chance of encountering them directly.
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Rooftop
The roof of the chateau will bless you with a mesmerizing look of the entire area encompassing all the beautiful gardens. This place would be used by Royal spectators to enjoy hunting activities and events. The tallest tower, known as the lantern tower offers breathtaking views of the chateau.
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