Passing through the Val-de-Loire region, embark on a journey in time during the Renaissance period by visiting the famous Chambord Castle.
A symbol of the passion for the arts and letters and the power of King François I, Chambord Castle is today the only royal estate completely intact since its construction. Designed by Leonardo da Vinci, it is by far the most dazzling of all the castles of the Loire. Built at the time in the heart of a huge forest land, this former hunting palace and a place of festivities was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. A true architectural masterpiece, it is a must-see place during your stay in the region. Shall we take you?
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History of Chambord Castle
Photo credit: Unsplash – Dorian Mongel
Mixing medieval, Gothic and Renaissance styles, Chambord Castle is a historic monument to the glory of François I. The first works began in September 1519 and spread over more than a century, along the additions and extensions ordered by the king: two lateral wings in 1526, the final dungeon in 1539, a royal wing in 1544, an outer gallery and the double-revolution staircase in 1545. Rather than a permanent residence, the castle of Chambord was mostly used as a hunting and party area by François I, who stayed there for less than 80 days over the 32 years of his reign. After his death, other sovereigns made changes to the original building. Henri II continued the construction of the chapel, renovations were carried out by Charles IX , the park and the apartments were arranged by Gaston d’Orléans.
The initial project, so desired by François I, was finally completed in 1685 by Louis XIV, who understood better than his predecessors the symbolic and the importance of enrolling his royal power in stone. In the 17th century, Louis XV brought warmth and comfort to the castle by permanently furnishing it. Possed successively by the Marshal Berthier, the Duke of Bordeaux and the Princes of Bourbon Parme, the castle of Chambord became the property of the state in 1930. It is currently ranked on the first French list of historical monuments, recognized as an industrial and commercial public establishment and belongs to the network Natura and that of European royal residences.
What to see and do at Chambord Castle?
Photo credit: Unsplash – Dorian Mongel
The castle
With 426 rooms, 83 stairs, 282 fireplaces and 4,500 works of art, Chambord Castle breathes luxury and extravagance. Built around a central dungeon surrounded by four towers, it consists of a multitude of rooms , apartments, galleries, offices and lodgings; It also houses a museum of hunting and nature. From mouldings to decorations, to vaults and furniture, the influence of the Italian Renaissance is omnipresent. From the terrace, crowned by a tower-lanterne and a dome surmounted by a lys flower, you will enjoy a panoramic view sumptuous on the park and gardens.
But it'll probably be the famous double-revolution staircase who will marvel at you the most! At the same time practical and ingenious, it consists of two volleys of steps rotating in the same direction but which allow visitors to climb and descend without ever crossing! Even if it was never officially confirmed, it would seem that Leonardo da Vinci either at the origin of this amazing system.
Parks and gardens
The park and gardens around Chambord Castle are just as sumptuous as the building. With more 5,400 hectares , the park covers the equivalent of the area of Paris intra-muros. Surrounded by a 32-kilometre enclosure, it houses as rich as emblematic biodiversity, which you can discover on 4×4 excursions, in calèche, on horseback or by bike. In English and French, ornamental gardens were created and decorated well after the construction of the castle. As early as 1680, under the reign of Louis XIV, the first works were undertaken and the most recent restorations and developments were in 2017.
Walk among the 1200 trees and shrubs , 15 000 plants and 200 rosiers gardens and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this unique place.
Activities
You can also practice many activities at the Château de Chambord: horse-rapace show, calèche tower, boat ride on the canal of the Cosson, exploration of the estate in rosalia, discovery of fauna from the observatories, cultural activities ...
During your visit, do not miss the shops that offer art objects made from the natural resources of the estate. For a gourmet break, several restaurants are available in the castle and in the Chambord village square.
How do I go to Chambord Castle?
Located in the middle of the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, a few kilometers from the left bank of the Loire, Chambord Castle is one of the most famous and visited in the world. It belongs to the natural region of Sologne and depends on the commune of Chambord. The exact address is: Château 41250 Chambord, France.
By car
The easiest way to get to Chambord Castle is the car:
- From the highway A10 : take exits 16 (Mer) or 17 (Blois)
- From the highway A85 : take exit 13 (Selles-sur-Cher)
- From the highway A71 : take Exit 3 (Lamotte-Beuvron)
Once you arrive at the castle, you can park your vehicle in one of the two parking spaces available: the P0 (6€ per day) located 600 metres from the castle and the P2 (4€ per day). If you don’t own a car, there are other options.
By public transport
- By train : go down to Blois-Chambord station and join the castle by taxi or by shuttle
- By bus : from the station of Blois, take lines 2 or 18 of the TLC network (Transports du Loir-et-Cher) and go down to the Château de Chambord stop
- A bike : the estate of the castle has a dozen kilometers of bike paths, of which 6 kilometers go through the park
Timetables & rates of Chambord Castle
Photo credit: Unsplash – Mr Xerty
HORARI
If the park surrounding the estate is freely accessible every day of the year, Chambord Castle has different times depending on the tourist seasons:
- November to March : open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- April to October : open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- 24 and 31 December : open from 9am to 4pm
- 25 December and 1 January : closed
RATES
The Château de Chambord offers several tickets, which can be booked online on the official website or directly at the castle window:
- Full rate (câteau + garden) : 14,50€
- Reduced price : 12€
(Suitable for people with the "forest" or "immediate" packages, people aged 18 to 25 (citizens outside the European Union), people without employment or benefiting from the RSA, teachers who do not have the Pass Education, documentation and information centre officials and heads of establishment) - Passport Chambord : 35,50€
(This ticket includes the visit of the castle and gardens, the rental of a HistoPad (digital table), the show of horse-slippers and a preferential rate on a leisure activity) - Free
For persons under the age of 18, persons aged 18 to 25 (citizens of the European Union), teachers with the Education Pass, persons with the Culture Card, persons with disabilities and accompanying them
QUESTIONS
- Are pets allowed?
Dogs on leash are allowed in the park. However, they are not accepted (with the exception of blind dogs) inside the castle, in the gardens and in the stables.
- Is there Internet access?
A public and free Wi-Fi connection is available for all visitors in the castle enclosure.
- What languages are the visits made?
The castle guides speak French and English.
- What are the payment methods accepted for the visit of the castle?
You can pay in cash, by cheque (classical, holiday, Clarc and culture), by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB) and by Kadéos ticket.
- How can I benefit from the reduced rate?
You must belong to at least one of the eligible categories and present the original document supporting your situation.
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